2nd raccoon sought after rabies-positive animal attacks South Jersey man

GLASSBORO, N.J. (WPVI) -- Gloucester County officials are searching for a raccoon after another animal involved in an encounter tested positive for rabies.

The investigation stems from an attack Sunday morning outside the Glassboro home of Kevin Tucker.

"I was walking to leave when a raccoon came out of the shrubbery and charged me," Tucker said. "I kind of fell backward, and I think that's when it bit the front part of my right leg."

READ MORE | Man recalls raccoon attack outside NJ home: 'I could see these bright yellow eyes'

The raccoon was eventually captured in Anthony Alvarado's backyard - just steps from where Tucker was bitten.

"It was running around making weird noises," Alvarado told Action News. "It was actually kind of foaming at the mouth a bit, so that's how I knew it had rabies."

Officials said the raccoon that attacked Tucker has since tested positive for rabies.

Authorities also said the infected animal had been seen fighting with another raccoon before its capture. Efforts are now underway to locate that second raccoon.

Action News returned to the neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon to speak with Tucker, who said he is now on high alert.

"I just don't know what might pop out of where and when," he said.

He has spent the past few days fielding phone calls from the Gloucester County Health Department and Gloucester County Animal Control, as he also undergoes a series of rabies shots. He had his second round of shots on Wednesday.

Tucker has also spent time warning his neighbors about the situation.

Christina Gulla, who lives in the neighborhood, said, "It's a little scary. I have kids. Gotta keep them inside, I guess."

Although the shots are unpleasant, Tucker said he is thankful he is getting treated.

He told Action News he will continue to keep his guard up as officials look for the second raccoon.

"You live in nature, so you just gotta be aware of nature," Tucker said. "But, as I said, I was in my yard; you're not expecting something to come shooting out of the bushes."

The Gloucester County Health Department is warning residents to avoid contact with wild animals and to keep pets up to date on their vaccinations.

Anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal should seek medical attention immediately and contact local animal control or health officials.