The woodchuck had porcupine quills embedded in its face, which can be a sign of rabies. The state Department of Environmental Conservation assisted with efforts to locate and remove the animal. Attempts to find the woodchuck were not successful at first, but the resident discovered the woodchuck deceased a few days later. Ticonderoga Animal Hospital accepted the specimen for preparation and shipment to Wadsworth Laboratory. There were no human, pet or livestock exposures; however, rabies testing was conducted for surveillance purposes.

The testing lab notified ECHD of the positive result on Monday, June 30.

This is the second animal to test positive for rabies in Essex County so far in 2025. A raccoon in the Westport area tested positive for rabies in early May. Last year, six animals tested positive for the virus.

“Rabies remains a persistent public health concern that requires ongoing vigilance, as cases continue to emerge almost annually in Essex County,” stated Linda Beers, Director of Public Health for ECHD. “One of the best ways to limit potential exposure is to keep your pets up to date on rabies vaccinations.”

Jessica Darney Buehler, Director of Health Promotion and Planning at ECHD, reminds residents that the Essex County Health Department offers free rabies vaccination clinics throughout the county during the spring, summer, and fall. “So far in 2025, 448 pets have been vaccinated at our rabies clinics — a collaborative effort of ECHD, our local veterinarians, and town personnel,” Buehler says. “The next opportunity to get pets vaccinated is at the Ticonderoga Highway Department on July 16 from 6-7:30PM”.

In addition to vaccination, residents can limit potential rabies exposures in the following ways:

¯ Attend pets when outside and feed pets inside.

¯ Tightly cap garbage cans, birdseed, and other food sources to avoid attracting wild animals to your yard.

¯ Spay or neuter your pets to reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or vaccinated regularly.

¯ Leave all wildlife alone.

If injured by an animal:

¯ Wash all wounds thoroughly with soap and water;

¯ Seek medical attention, if indicated; and

¯ Report all animal bites or possible rabies exposures in pets or people to ECHD 518-873-3500.

View more information about rabies prevention on the ECHD website at https://tinyurl.com/8wj6t9mn.

To view the 2025 Rabies Clinic Schedule and register your pets for an upcoming clinic, go to essexcountyny.gov/Health/rabies-clinics.