Crime & Safety

Possible Rabid Groundhog Attacks Dog in University Park

University Park police are urging residents to take precautions when encountering sick or aggressive wild life.

A University Park resident's dog was attacked by a sick and aggressive groundhog late Wednesday morning while walking in the area of 44th Avenue and Tuckerman Street in University Park, according to University Park Police.

“The groundhog behaved in an aggressive manner and made contact with the owner’s pet,” police said in a statement.

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University Park police responded to the scene and destroyed the groundhog. The deceased animal was placed in a plastic bag for animal control pickup, but someone accidently threw the bag into the garbage before animal control arrived. As a result, the animal was not tested for rabies.

So what should you do if you come into contact with a suspected rabid animal?

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  • Maintain control of your pets on a leash and reduce their exposure to wildlife
  • Report any stray or ill animals to animal control
  • If you are bitten by a wild animal seek immediate medical attention
  • If your pet is bitten by a wild animal seek immediate medical attention for your pet
  • Call the UPPD if you encounter a wild animal displaying strange or unusual behavior
  • Call 911 if the animal is acting in an aggressive manner or you are bitten by one

Police also suggest that residents vaccinate their pets and also spay or neuter their animals to decrease the number of strays.


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