Executive Summary
- A search is ongoing in Portsmouth, NH, for a raccoon suspected of being rabid after biting a man at Market Basket.
- Multiple reports have surfaced of the raccoon attacking or behaving aggressively towards people in parking lots around Portsmouth.
- Police advise residents to maintain distance from raccoons, especially those exhibiting unusual behavior, and to report sightings to authorities.
Event Overview
Authorities in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, are actively searching for a raccoon believed to be rabid after it bit a man in the parking lot of a Market Basket store on Tuesday. The victim received medical treatment and is expected to undergo rabies shots. This incident follows other reports of a raccoon exhibiting aggressive behavior, including an attack at a Marshalls parking lot and a report near a Hannaford. The Portsmouth Police Department urges residents to exercise caution and report any sightings of potentially rabid animals.
Media Coverage Comparison
| Source | Key Angle / Focus | Unique Details Mentioned | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Pulse of NH | Ongoing search for a possibly rabid raccoon after a biting incident. | The biting occurred in the Market Basket parking lot, and the victim received hospital treatment. Mentions a separate incident at the Marshalls parking lot. | Informative, factual. |
| WMUR | Details of raccoon attacks and police advice. | Includes quotes from a man (Alex McMorran) who encountered the raccoon near Hannaford and Sgt. Jordan Wells regarding rabies symptoms and the presence of raccoon kits. Mentions the possibility of multiple raccoons being involved. | Informative, includes personal accounts. |
| Boston.com | Confirmation of raccoon attack and police investigation. | Identifies the victim as a young male and notes he was receiving medical care. Highlights that it is not uncommon to see raccoons during the daytime in the spring. | Direct, factual, and cautious. |
Key Details & Data Points
- What: A raccoon is suspected of being rabid and has reportedly bitten a man and displayed aggressive behavior in public parking lots.
- Who: The Portsmouth Police Department, the bitten man, Alex McMorran (witness), Sgt. Jordan Wells, animal control officers, and residents of Portsmouth.
- When: The biting incident occurred on Tuesday of the week of May 8, 2025. Reports of a possibly rabid raccoon near Hannaford occurred on Monday. Police have received reports all week.
- Where: Portsmouth, New Hampshire, specifically in the parking lots of Market Basket, Marshalls, and near Hannaford on Islington Street.
Key Statistics:
- One man bitten: Received treatment at a hospital and will likely receive rabies shots.
- Multiple sightings: Reports of the raccoon or raccoons span several days and locations.
- Unclear number of raccoons: Authorities have not confirmed if one or multiple raccoons are involved.
Analysis & Context
The reports of aggressive raccoon behavior in Portsmouth, NH, raise public health concerns, particularly regarding the potential spread of rabies. The Portsmouth Police Department's response includes actively searching for the animal to confirm whether it is infected. The reports also highlight the importance of public awareness regarding rabies symptoms in animals and the need to avoid contact with wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual behavior. The fact that mother raccoons foraging for food may be more visible during the day adds another layer of complexity, requiring increased vigilance from the public.
Notable Quotes
I don't think I screamed. I might have made a scream for him, but, yeah, just grabbed him, turned around, and ran in the opposite direction.
It's important to be aware of some of the signs and symptoms. A lot of times, there'll be drooling in the mouth, they'll be unsteady on their feet, have leg paralysis, they'll be aggressive. But it's also important to note, this time of year, there's a lot of baby raccoons. They're called kits, and the mothers sometimes will be out during the day looking for food.
Conclusion
The search for the potentially rabid raccoon in Portsmouth continues. The Portsmouth Police Department urges residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings of raccoons displaying unusual behavior. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife awareness and the potential risks associated with rabies. The situation remains ongoing, pending the capture and testing of the raccoon.
Disclaimer: This article was generated by an AI system that synthesizes information from multiple news sources. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy and objectivity, reporting nuances, potential biases, or errors from original sources may be reflected. The information presented here is for informational purposes and should be verified with primary sources, especially for critical decisions.
