The incident raises concerns that many have been exposed. To rabies because raccoons are one of the most common carriers of the virus in Maine. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife said in a post Thursday.
The animal has since tested negative for the deadly virus. A process that requires it to be euthanized per Maine’s rabies testing guidelines.
The woman took the raccoon to the Petco on Mount Auburn Avenue. Tuesday afternoon and requested nail trimming services.
The wildlife agency shared a photo of the woman on Facebook, who they are still searching for.
“It is illegal to have wildlife in Maine, and Petco does not trim raccoon nails.” the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife said in a news release.
Raccoons are common carriers of rabies, which can be transmitte to humans if a rabid animal’s saliva. Or neural tissue comes into contact with a bite, scratch, cut, or contact in the mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus can be fatal if left untreated after exposure.
“Once the store manager was alert to the raccoon, the manager asked. The woman with the raccoon to leave the store and contacted. The Maine CDC and the Maine Warden Service,” the agency said.
In an update from the agency, they confirmed that the animal tested negative. For rabies and that those who came in contact with it did not must treatment.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is asking anyone with information about the woman to come forward.
The agency is reminding residents that it is illegal to keep wildlife in Maine, and never attempt to handle, feed or move wild animals.
“If you care, leave them there,” the agency said.