Authorities say a raccoon that bit a 72-year-old man’s finger in northwestern Forsyth has been confirmed as having rabies.

The case, the second of the summer in Forsyth County, stemmed from an encounter Thursday morning in a barn off of Hopewell Road.

According to Lt. David Waters of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s special services unit, the man was bitten by the raccoon as he entered the barn to get food for his animals.

“It just attacked him immediately when he came in,” Waters said.

The sheriff’s animal control unit captured the raccoon, which was then taken to a veterinarian clinic in Cumming. Results from a rabies test came back positive Friday, according to Waters.

The victim had already begun treatment for rabies as a precaution before, Waters said.

According to the sheriff’s office, the county’s first case of rabies this year occurred June 4, when rabid fox bit a dog and a 45-year-old man on Waldrip Road in northeast Forsyth.

Waters noted that cases of rabid animals have also been confirmed this summer in neighboring Dawson and Hall counties.

He added that north Forsyth residents “need to remain very cautious if they come in contact with any animal that may be acting aggressive, as well as any wildlife that may not flee from humans.”

Authorities are also urging pet owners to make sure their pets are current on their vaccinations.

To report a suspicious animal, call (770) 781-2138 or 911.