A Raccoon Attack Shakes a Small Town

In a chilling incident that has raised alarm bells across Hatley Township, a woman found herself victim to an unexpected raccoon attack, reigniting serious concerns over the spread of rabies in the Eastern Townships. Animal experts are urging residents to take immediate precautions.

A Night to Remember: The Terrifying Encounter

Brigitte Beauchamp was enjoying a peaceful evening on her deck when disaster struck. Just as night fell, a raccoon stealthily approached and bit her leg without warning. "It just got dark, probably about 8:15. And out of nowhere, this thing came up and just bit my leg," she recounted, still shaken by the experience.

The animal had crept up a deck post and lunged from behind a barbecue, leaving Beauchamp with four puncture wounds. Her husband desperately tried to ward off the intruder with claps, stomps, and finally, a garden hose. A nearby neighbor described hearing her horrifying scream—a cry of terror that will echo in their memories.

The Urgent Call for Help

Beauchamp was rushed to Sherbrooke’s Hôtel-Dieu Hospital, where she learned that animal bites are becoming alarmingly common. The attending physician informed her that he now treats around five cases a week, a staggering increase from just one or two years ago.

The Long Road to Recovery

Following the bite, Beauchamp embarked on a grueling rabies prevention protocol that involved ten hours in the hospital, enduring multiple injections, including a rabies vaccine and specialized blood treatments.

"That was already five needles," she mentioned, frustrated not just by the ordeal but also by the lack of follow-up from wildlife officials. After reaching out to Faune Quebec, she felt the response was inadequate, saying, "They’re not really taking this seriously."

Experts Urge Vaccination and Vigilance

Alexis Savoie from the Société protectrice des animaux (SPA) de l’Estrie emphasized that Beauchamp's experience serves as a grim reminder of the persistent threat of raccoon rabies in the area. "We strongly advocate for the vaccination of pets," he stated, noting that rabies cases had recently surfaced near the Vermont border.

In response to this growing threat, Quebec has initiated a campaign to distribute vaccine baits in the Eastern Townships, likening the packets to "little ravioli" dropped in wooded areas and waterways.

Essential Safety Tips for Residents

Residents are warned never to approach wild animals, particularly those exhibiting signs of illness. Warning signs include foaming at the mouth, unusual aggression, or erratic behavior. If bitten, washing the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes and seeking medical attention immediately is crucial.

Pet owners are urged to keep their animals vaccinated against rabies. Savoie cautioned against relocating wild animals, as this could inadvertently spread the dangerous virus to previously unaffected areas.

A Community on Edge

For Beauchamp, life has drastically changed. "I know I don’t sit out in the evening anymore. It’s 7:00, 7:30, and I’m inside," she said, expressing her fear of a repeat encounter. Concerned for herself and her neighbors, she believes more needs to be done to address the raccoon menace in their community.

As confirmed rabies cases surge just south of the border and reports of aggressive raccoons proliferate, local experts stress that vigilance is more important than ever. While prevention campaigns continue to roll out, residents like Beauchamp are calling for more visible action to confront this looming threat.