I don't have a lot of experience with rabies, but one of the few wild animals to ever come for me, unprovoked, was a large, boar raccoon--and it was just this time of year, about five years ago, on my farm in Northern New York.

In my case, I believe it had something to do with aggression during mating season. The raccoon that "advanced" on me, (and was shot in the head with a .22LR for his trouble), was suffering from several wounds caused, I am pretty sure, by another large, boar raccoon. I don't know if "my" raccoon was the winner, or the loser, but he was hurt--and pretty cranky.

I was on my way to a shed for a load of firewood, late in the evening, before I turned in. It was snowing pretty hard, but there were very fresh tracks--and a little blood--preceeding me into the building. I got one of those "funny little feelings", and went back for the Marlin lever-action I kept beside the kitchen door.  When I had to use it, a few minutes later, I was at the back of the shed. That large raccoon popped up between me and an open door. He could have gone either way, but he chose to come for me. It was weird.

Glad you got away safely.  Sounds like a terrible experience.

Luckily no personal encounters but a local kid at a bus stop got hit by a rabid coyote a year or two ago. Thankfully an adult saw it and fought it off. It was killed and tested positive for rabies. Both the kid and the rescuer were treated for exposure. But thankfully came away with nothing permanent.

had it happen with several skunks in my job, it would be early stage if rabies, skunks were all put down, if you are taking a sample or getting some one too, don't shoot in the head! an be very careful, gloves, etc.

It even happened with a bear up here a few years ago.

all were confirmed cases and showed aggression.

dang I wouldn't want to see a aggressive rabid bear. Sounds like a nightmare

What county in Maryland did this happen?

Caroline

I bet that Grizzly that charged me in Wyoming last fall had rabies

Just a heads up ANY bodily fluids from an infected animal can(and does) carry the live virus (even urine)  

If I wet MYSELF during one of these episodes, does that count ?
ChuckC

Ive had a handful of raccoons come after me while I was working. Usually cause I was called to look for them 1st, and the times that they did come after me I attribute to distemper. Cant be sure if its distemper or rabies but it is damn scary and usually gets them put down in a hurry.

     The meanest one Ive ever dealt with was last month and it appeared to be a healthy sow. She had a serious attitude and lucky for her and I, I was called away for more pressing matters before a winner was determined.

Years ago I had a run-in with a raccoon that was acting as the aggressor.  I don't know if it was rabid, stupid or just really really curious, but it wouldn't leave me alone until I hit it squarely in the neck with with a baseball-sized rock.

Anyway, rabies is serious business!  I was listening to a RadioLab show on NPR yesterday and they said it was THE deadliest disease.  If not treated before the virus enters the brain, the death rate is about 100%.  Yikes!  

I came home from a workout one evening, and a raccoon was under the carport. Ordinarily, they immediately run when the truck pulls into the driveway, but this guy stood his ground. I threw a training bag, which hit him. He still stood his ground, so I threw a pint can of paint thinner. That one also hit him with no visible effect.

This was all VERY disturbing, so I called my wife to bring my .45 auto. However, the ricochet off the concrete carport floor would go through the side of the house, so I held fire, knowing my wife's anger would be far more dangerous than this animal.  He finally ran around the house to the woods and did not return.

Animal Control told me that 7 rabid animals had been destroyed in town during the year. That is a lot for a town as small as Gray.  I am now with those guys who always carry a firearm, even when bowhunting.

QuoteOriginally posted by T Callahan:
... the agression is the beginning stages and that the paralytic "dumb" rabies is the final stages

I had a girlfriend that matched the first description...

Good one jhg!      

^^ Hahaha!!!

This IS breeding season for raccoons,  and other critters too.

They can be some Ornery Little Critters, and when they get Funky, they get  4X  Bigger!! Not only would I wet meself, I just might be "Sliding in my own Sh_t" trying to get away!!      :rolleyes:    

Nothing 12g won't fix, just dig good hole and take couple gallons of diesel and burn carcass in hole. Otherwise fox's and yotes will dig it up and eat it then you'll have whole pack chasin you next time.

Cujo the raccoon?