Rabid raccoon attacks small child in Arlington - The Boston Globe

A young child was attacked by a raccoon in Arlington earlier this week, and town officials are warning residents to keep an eye on their children and pets after announcing Friday that the raccoon had rabies.

Wednesday, Arlington Police said in a statement.

A child under 5 years old was attacked by a large raccoon in the backyard of the home, police said.

After failing to find the animal during an initial search of the area near the home, police spotted a lethargic raccoon near Buena Vista Road at 5:40 p.m., police said.

The raccoon appeared to be the same one that attacked the child, according to the statement.

On Friday, the state health department notified Arlington officials that the raccoon had tested positive for rabies, according to police.

“Rabies can turn wild animals extremely aggressive toward humans and pets,” Arlington Director of Health and Human Services Christine Bongiorno said in the statement.