According to Health Administrator Joyce Jacobson, a resident found the raccoon dead on his lawn and it was sent out for lab tests. The rabies confirmation means that what is a rare disease amongst animals in the township is abound. In December, a feral cat that had scratched a woman on Post Avenue was euthanized after being caught by police and also sent for testing where it was confirmed the it too was inflicted with the fatal neurological disease.

"We can't rule out that this animal had not made contact with anyone, so we are conducting an ongoing investigation," said Jacobson.

The woman attacked in December was immediately treated with a series of preventative vaccines. Without proper treatment within an average 30 to 60 day incubation period of contracting rabies, humans are subject to adverse effects of debilitating central nervous system conditions, shutting down of the organs, and ultimately, death.

Jacobson urges all residents to avoid contact with stray domestic and all wild animals. If anyone reports seeing a stray, they should immediately contact Bergen County Animal Control at 201-752-4260 or the Lyndhurst Police Department at 201-939-2900. If you are bitten or scratched, it is advised that you immediately call the Lyndhurst Health Department at 201-804-2500 and seek prompt medical attention.