Ridgewood police are urging residents to use caution after receiving reports of two raccoon attacks and sightings of a potentially sick raccoon in the village.
Police said they received a report Monday that a raccoon attack occurred around 7 p.m. May 30 near Maple Field and the Community Garden. Later Monday, at about 2:15 p.m., officers received another report of a sick-looking raccoon crossing Meadowbrook Avenue.
The Village of Ridgewood confirmed on social media that two raccoon bites happened Saturday evening. Both individuals received medical attention, the village said.
Animal Control has been notified and is actively responding, police said.
Authorities encouraged residents to remain vigilant in the area. Police advised the public not to approach, feed or handle wild animals, to closely supervise children outdoors, and to keep pets leashed and under control.
Residents were also urged to avoid wildlife that appears aggressive, unusually tame, disoriented, injured or sick, and to report unusual animal behavior to the Ridgewood Police Department.
Anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal should seek medical attention immediately and notify police, authorities said.