A 91-year-old man from Barrington, Rhode Island, is recovering after an unexpected encounter with a raccoon that culminated in an attack on his front porch earlier this month. Hal Hamilton was on his way to collect mail when he was bitten by the wild animal on 2 October, igniting a series of events that raised concerns over rabies exposure.
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Hamilton described the incident, which occurred around 9 a.m., as startling. “I felt something like a bolster rolling down the stairs behind me. It got me right in the back of both knees, and then it bit me,” he recounted in an interview. In a show of bravery, Hamilton used his cane to defend himself against the aggressive raccoon.
The initial attack was not the end of the encounter. According to Hamilton, after he successfully fended off the creature by striking it on the head, it regained its footing and appeared poised for a second assault. “It looked like it was going to have an assault number two,” he said, clearly shaken but resolute. Fortunately, his quick reaction ultimately scared the animal away.
Following the attack, Hamilton discovered bite marks on his legs and decided to report the incident to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). According to a statement released by the department, they conducted interviews in relation to the raccoon encounter; however, they did not provide vaccinations at that time based on the information shared by Hamilton.
Despite this, Hamilton felt it necessary to seek out rabies vaccination as a precautionary measure. After reaching out to the Rhode Island Department of Fish and Wildlife for advice, he soon discovered the importance of obtaining timely medical treatment. Initially attempting to visit Brown Urgent Care, he was informed that he would need to go to a hospital in Newport instead.
Ultimately, Hamilton chose to go to a local pharmacy, CVS, where he purchased the rabies vaccine at a cost of $440 since his insurance did not cover it. “I don’t care if you multiply that by five, just get it in there,” he expressed to the pharmacy staff, demonstrating his anxiety over the situation.
As the days progressed, Hamilton received additional booster shots as part of his treatment plan to safeguard his health against potential rabies exposure. The incident has left him not only with physical wounds but also with heightened awareness regarding wildlife interactions.
RIDOH officials confirmed that the raccoon involved in the attack was not tested for rabies. This lack of testing has left lingering concerns among residents about raccoon behaviour and the risks posed by wildlife in suburban areas.
Hamilton’s harrowing experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters, particularly for vulnerable populations. He has since emphasised the importance of being cautious when encountering wild animals, especially in residential neighbourhoods.
As of now, Hamilton is on the road to recovery, demonstrating resilience in the face of an unusual and frightening incident. His story has garnered attention and may prompt further discussions regarding wildlife management and public health safety in Rhode Island and beyond.