Second rabid raccoon discovered in Los Angeles County backyard

A second rabid raccoon has been discovered in Los Angeles County, according to the New York Post. The infected animal was found on Thursday in a Westlake Village backyard. The discovery comes less than three weeks after the first confirmed rabies case in a raccoon in the county in more than half a century. [1]

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated that the latest raccoon appeared both sick and aggressive, as the New York Post reported. In contrast, the first infected animal found earlier in October in the same area appeared unwell but was not aggressive toward people. [1]

Los Angeles County is situated in southern California and is the most populous county in the United States, with an estimated population of over 9.6 million residents in 2025. The county covers 88 incorporated cities and spans 4,083 square miles. [3]