Amherst youth, friend require shots after contact with raccoon
by BETH HUTCHINSON Copy Editor

Two youths, including one from Amherst, must undergo a series of preventive rabies shots after coming in contact with a rabid raccoon in woods near the Eagle Ridge Swim Club in Orchard Park.

The 12-year-old boys encountered the raccoon on Aug. 21 about 100 feet from the pool building, which is off Jewett Holmwood Road. The animal was reportedly lying motionless, although still alive, under some logs.

"When they saw it, they were intrigued and petted it," said Dennis Buczkowski, Orchard Park dog control officer.

According to Buczkowski, some young women in the area reported the incident, and he went to the woods and dispatched the raccoon. He said the Erie County Health Department has reported that the animal tested positive for rabies.

The youths must undergo a series of shots over the next few weeks to make sure they do not develop the disease. There is no cure for rabies, which kills most of its victims.

The Amherst youth was with a friend who lives in Orchard Park. It is not known if the boys have begun the shots, but Buczkowski thought it was likely.

While rabid animals are not common in Orchard Park, Buczkowski was not necessarily surprised about the incident, noting that there have been reports of rabid raccoons throughout the county.

"There has been a population explosion of raccoons this year," he said, noting that from year to year the numbers cycle between high and low. "I've had more calls than I have in the past."

Buczkowski said the Health Department takes preventive measures against the disease, making annual drops of biscuits that contain the rabies vaccine. The drops take place in various parts of the county, with the Orchard Park drop about three weeks ago.

Given the larger number of raccoons, the biscuit drop will not protect every animal, said Buczkowski, who asked people not to touch any wild animal - no matter how cute or innocent it appears.

"Rabies is always in the area, so people should be concerned," Buczkowski said, but he noted that people shouldn't panic.

He said the rabid raccoon in last week's incident was discovered because the youths happened to stumble across it. Otherwise, it would have died and never been found.

Orchard Park police urge residents to call the office of the dog control officer at 662-6440 to report a suspicious animal, and he described the behavior that might be cause for concern.

"If you see a wild animal that looks tame and docile, stay away from it," said Chief Samuel McCune.

McCune added that parents should warn their children to avoid such animals, and children should tell their parents if they see an animal of that description. He said the parents should then call the police.