Rabid Racoon found in Oxford area near The Villages.
 

A raccoon found near The Villages has tested positive for rabies.
The Departments of Health in Marion and Sumter counties are warning residents in the Summerfield/Oxford area and the northwest portion of The Villages to maintain a heightened awareness of wildlife. That particularly includes those who live or work in the area north of Sumter County Road 202, south of SE Highway 42 in Marion County, west of SE 76th Champion Avenue in The Villages, and east of Sumter County Road 200.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
Avoid all contact with wildlife, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
Never handle unfamiliar animals (wild or domestic), even if they appear friendly.
Do not feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or trash.
Keep rabies vaccinations current for all pets.
Keep pets under direct supervision so that they do not come into contact with wild animals.
Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools and other similar areas where they might encounter people and pets.

Yikes!