local
Rabid raccoon found in metro Atlanta city after dog attack, health officials urge caution
By Sam Sachs at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
Health officials in Gwinnett County are urging the public to be cautious after a raccoon tested positive for rabies.However, the latest detected rabies case, which was found in Snellville, was outside the norm. Rather than a rabid raccoon attacking other animals or people, health officials said t...
Key takeaway [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]The Gwinnett County government said in a statement that the incident happened near Tree View Drive.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The discovery of a rabid raccoon in Snellville serves as a warning to pet owners and residents in metro Atlanta to be vigilant about their surroundings. Given the unusual circumstances of the incident, where three dogs attacked the raccoon, it's crucial for residents to ensure their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. The fact that the dogs are undergoing a veterinary evaluation and rabies post-exposure management process highlights the potential risks of rabies transmission in the community. As the weather warms up, outdoor activities increase, and the likelihood of encounters with wild animals grows. Residents should be aware of their surroundings, especially in areas with high wildlife activity, and report any animals behaving strangely to animal welfare officers. By taking proactive measures, such as vaccinating pets and exercising caution, the community can reduce the risk of rabies transmission and prevent further incidents.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Health officials in Gwinnett County are urging the public to be cautious after a raccoon tested positive for rabies.However, the latest detected rabies case, which was found in Snellville, was outside the norm. Rather than a rabid raccoon attacking other animals or people, health officials said t...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sam Sachs at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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