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An unknown person is said to have picked up a woodchuck, found at John George Ice Cream in Dartmouth around 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, and placed it in a cardboard box, according to Christopher Michaud, Director of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
The woodchuck escaped the box by the time animal control arrived, meaning that the woodchuck cannot be tested for rabies.
The person who handled the creature may therefore be at risk of contracting rabies, which can be transmitted through bites, scratches, and saliva.
Even animals who appear healthy may be infected.
The spring and summer seasons have higher incidence rates of rabies, likely because more animals are being born during that time, Michaud said.
Michaud confirmed that "woodchuck" and "groundhog" are different names for the same creature.
Anyone who handled the woodchuck is urged to contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at (617) 983-6800.
The ice cream shop where the woodchuck is found is unrelated to the matter, Michaud said.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health discourages anyone from handling wildlife, even birds. If someone is concerned about an animal, they are advised to call animal control with the animal's location and a callback number.
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