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In preparation of a grant application to address sidewalk and curb issues in the Borough, Dan DePaul and I were traveling through every street taking notes and pictures.

To my surprise we saw a raccoon at about 3:00 in the afternoon. Not a normal time for raccoons to be out in plain sight.

This one was walking like a drunken sailor along Avona, near the bridge and heading toward Spring St., so we followed it in Dan’s Jeep. It slowly made its way in the street, along the curb. It didn’t even seem to be aware of a vehicle following it. Also not normal for a raccoon.

I’ve seen rabies in raccoons before. Once, when hunting and once in NJ when one approached my young children playing in the back yard.

I became especially concerned when it met up with a dog. The only thing separating the two of them was a chain link fence as the dog and raccoon met face to face. When it moved on I notified the owner of the dog that it had encountered a raccoon that I suspected might have rabies.

During all this time I called the State Police. They weren’t interested, so they transferred me to the Game Commission. This being Sunday, of course nobody answered. I called 911, believing they might be able to direct me to somebody that could respond. They told me only State Police would respond to West Easton. Been there, done that already.

Apparently I pissed off the 911 operator, who scolded me for the call. I hung up on him. So much for trying to reach the right Agency you are told will handle the problem.

The raccoon was last seen slowly making its way toward the Safety First Social Club.

Don’t worry about this one being in town any longer. I believe it was scared away by a resident, or possibly a club member. I heard what I believe were two firecrackers go off and the raccoon hasn’t made an appearance since.

It’s a good reminder that if your pet hasn’t had a rabies vaccine, or a booster shot if needed, you should get it done to ensure your pet remains safe.