ELIZABETHTOWN — Two raccoons at opposite ends of Bladen County have tested positive for rabies, and animal control officials are urging pet owners to be aware.

Ted Carter, animal control director for the county, said Tuesday that results for rabies tests on two raccoons came back positive this week.

The first raccoon was found off River Road in White Oak last Friday. In that case, a stray dog was exposed to the raccoon.

“That dog does not have its shots, so it will probably need to be put down,” Carter said.

The second raccoon was found off Hwy. 87 in the Carver’s Creek Community on Monday. Carter said two dogs were exposed to that raccoon, but both had their shots. He added that the two dogs will be receiving booster shots this week.

“Rabies is obviously out there in the county, so pet owners need to be sure and have their animals vaccinated,” Carter said. “Besides, it’s a law that pets be given rabies shots.”