Aggressive Groundhog in Westchester County Tests Positive for Rabies

Rabies Alert in Westchester County

The City of Peekskill has released an alert to the public warning them of a dangerous animal.

In the alert from Animal Control Officer Wisker, they warn the public of a rabid groundhog.

On Wednesday October 20th, 2026, the ACO and Peekskill Police Department were called out to the 800 block of Main Street for "a report of an aggressive ground hog."

The statement goes on to say that "based on the animals behavior" officials requested that the ground hog be "euthanized and taken for testing."

Testing came back that the ground hog was positive for rabies.

 Did You Come in Contact With a Rabid Animal? Here's What To Do

The City of Peekskill asks that if you believe you had any contact with the rabid ground hog to reach out to the Animal Control Office or the Department of Health.

Any interactions with a rabid animal warrant a call, but they say "specifically if you suffered a bite or scratch.

Call the Peekskill ACO at (914)862-1430 or the Department of Heath at (914)864-7359

Representatives from the DOH will be posting notices in the area. If you observe any other animals showing aggressive behavior please contact the Police Department.

Rabies can be fatal if not immediately treated. The Center for Disease Control explains that if you were in contact with a rabid animal, you may experience flu like symptoms including: fever, muscle aches, pain or itching at the site of the contact and sore throat, cough, nausea or vomiting.

Learn more about rabies on the CDC website. 

Remember When Lake George Was Terrorized by 2 Rabid Beavers?

There have been a few encounters with rabid animals in and around the Hudson Valley.

In the spring of 2026 a rabid coyote was attacking humans and dogs around Westchester County.

READ MORE:Lake George Swimming Advisory  Due to Potentially Rabid Beavers

One of the more notable rabid animal encounters happened over the summer of 2026 in Lake George, New York.

In July of 2026, the DEC shared details about reports of an aggressive beaver on Turtle Island. There were allegedly 2 beavers that attacked swimmers in the area.