Rabies Alert for Grayton Beach

[30A Skunkape]

Frank's in Grayton has some raccoon proff trash cans. I don't have a garage, and the coons were into my trash every night until I got these cans. They really do work.

Yes, thanks for this. I bought one last month and it has made life so much better. I used to have to keep the trash in the gagrage until the morning of pick up day and as a result the racoons were poking around our garage! The new can is so simple and effective-the lid is essentially a screw top that the little critters can't open-and they defeated all my attempts with bungee cords, etc previously. I don't think it was more expensive than a regular can, either.

 

[ASH]

I've been concerned about a raccoon that has been hanging out in our tree, yard and garbage can during the day. He will just stare me down, climb a tree and wait for me to turn his back before jumping into the garbage. After he finds it empty he heads down the road to the neighbor's house. Thoughts?

Any hot pepper sauce spread over the garbage goes a long way to training critters that food from your location is not desirable.

 

[scooterbug44]

Papa Scooterbug always says nocturnal animals (like raccoons, skunks, etc.) being out in daylight is a possible sign of rabies - even if they aren't "acting weird or aggressive" the fact that they are out in daylight IS weird.

 

[bluemtnrunner]

That's what I think! I'm going to Franks for a new garbage can too!

 

[bluemtnrunner]

Ok I need some serious advice and "proper channels" aren't helping. DO I NEED RABIES TREATMENT ?
This afternoon my lab busted out of the back yard and tore off to the dock. Kids and my friend are shouting at him and what sounded like a dog fight came from the canal. I ran to the water to find my pup in a battle with a coon. They were biting and clawing. Smalls tried to drown the coon who saved itself by climbing up his leg and on to his back. I was able to beat the coon back with a stick and get my dog. I don't think I was ever scratched though I have open yellow fly wounds everywhere. The coon swam away. I checked my dog, blood and slobber everywhere. I cleared it away from his mouth to assess the damage while we were in the canal, dipping my hand in the canal to rinse the gunk.
I got him washed up and inside, called our vet (he's current on shots) who advised me to touch no blood or saliva without gloves (now you tell me). She told me to report to the health dept. They are closed but the on call told me to call environmental services Monday. I called SWSO who told me if I see the coon again to call them otherwise they don't know what I should do. Didn't know what to tell me about the possible exposure to me or my dog....SOOOOOO all you fine people of sowal, are we ok?
Skunky?

 

[Beach Runner]

Go to Sacred Heart ER immediately!

 

[30A Skunkape]

Agree, to the ER ASAP. There is no way you can be sure you didn't get injured by the coon. Go. Now. Do not wait until monday!

 

[bluemtnrunner]

Tried to PM, Skunk, but it didn't work. Hey Dr.Skunk. I called the ER and they told me to call poison control and their toxicologist said to see my doctor on Monday to start shots. What do you think? I am so confused!!

 

[Beach Runner]

Go to Sacred Heart immediately!

 

[seagrovegirl]

I beieve you have a few days to start treatment, but the sooner the better. The shots are not bad, I had them about 15 years ago. There are a series of them. The first two the Health Dept. provided and another one I was sent to the ER in Ft. Walton (Sacred Heart wasn't here then) since they had the shot I needed. I think there was one more at the HD and then it was done. The shots were in the arm and thigh and I did not have any side affects. You are probably rabies free, but it's not something to gamble with. Good luck and keep us posted.