Mattapoisett Animal Control captured a rabid raccoon near Prospect Road on Monday, Jan. 6.

After receiving a call from a resident, Animal Control Officer Kathy Massey said they found the animal climbing up the exterior stairs of a house and walking in circles.

Massey said rabid animals are unusual for this time of year and are most common in summer months.

"I find it very, very strange," said Massey. "They usually go off and freeze somewhere because they’re crazy."

The raccoon was euthanized and its head sent to the state rabies lab for confirmation.

"My theory is where there’s one there’s always more," said Massey.

Massey said two cats are being quarantined because they walked in the same area as the rabid animal, although they did not come "nose to nose" with it. Even pets vaccinated for rabies must be quarantined for 45 days following an encounter with a rabies infected animal, said Massey.

"The biggest concern that we have is that you have to vaccinate your animal. It’s imperative that you do that," she said.

Anyone who sights an animal behaving strangely is urged to call the Police Department at 508-758-4141. Do not try to approach or catch such an animal.

"Stay away from them!" said Massey.