General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Raccoon update [View all]IdaBriggs
(10,559 posts)There were two separate incidents. The first involved a bite on the hand, as described and shown in a picture up thread. The second involved the raccoon charging and biting on the foot but not breaking skin due to heavy wool socks. This means the same raccoon (a young one) has attacked twice and there is obviously something "wrong" because they don't usually attack humans.
The poster was urged to seek appropriate medical attention due to understandable concerns about rabies. Discussion has continued about the course of treatment and "attitude" from the hospital staff who are undoubtedly used to more "severe trauma"; unfortunately rabies is transmitted via saliva and "bite from wild animal" is the primary way humans get it.
I am not sure if you intended to take a rude/dismissive tone, with the implication being the poster is not truthful, but that is how I read your response. Hopefully now that the situation has been clarified you will either delete or edit appropriately.
I also think the poster may have had their life saved by getting reasonably good advice from DUers; it would have been very easy to dismiss the initial injury as "a scratch" without considering the risk for rabies transmission if the discussion had not occurred.
Yeah, for DU!