PRESS RELEASE

Baltimore City Health Department Confirms Rabid Raccoon Found in Roland Park

PRESS RELEASE

BALTIMORE, MD (November 14, 2025) — On Friday, November 14, the Baltimore City Health Department Animal Control unit was notified that a raccoon captured in Roland Park has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was reported to have bitten a dog before capture, but the dog’s whereabouts are unclear. 

The raccoon was picked up near the intersection of Oakdale Road and Long Lane, and the service request advised that the raccoon had bitten a dog. When the officers arrived at the location, neither the allegedly bitten dog nor its owner were present. A potential address of the dog’s owner was given by one of the complainants, but when officers responded and made contact with the residents, they advised that they were not involved in the incident. We do not have a description of the dog that was potentially bit. Agency staff will continue working to identify the impacted animal and owners. 

“We take any potential rabies exposure seriously,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor. “If you have any information about this incident or believe you may have had contact with the raccoon before this incident, please contact the Baltimore City Health Department.” 

Out of an abundance of caution, the health department has recommended that residents living near the intersection of Oakdale Road and Long Lane check their pets for any potential animal bites and have suspicious wounds immediately checked by a veterinarian. Please ensure pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Rabies can be fatal if left untreated. Health department evening shift officers will be canvassing the area where the raccoon was captured the night of Friday, November 14, 2025. 

In the meantime, Dr. Taylor urges anyone who may be concerned that their dog was bitten by a raccoon – particularly if the animal was recently lost – should contact the Baltimore City Health Department immediately at 410-396-4436 during normal business hours, or call the Baltimore City Operator at 410-396-3100 after business hours or on weekends.