On October 14, 2015 Spring Lake Police received reports of a rabid raccoon in the area of First Avenue and Worthington Avenue.  Officers were dispatched and with the assistance of Monmouth County Humane Society were able to capture a raccoon in that area and it was sent for testing.

On October 15, 2015 the Borough of Spring Lake was notified that the raccoon tested POSITIVE for rabies.  There is a concern that other animals in that area may have been exposed to the rabies virus. 

Residents are urged to take extra precautions while spending time outdoors. Any animal related concerns that a resident may have should be forwarded to the Associated Humane Society (732-922-0100) & the Spring Lake Police Department (732-449-1234) as soon as possible.

Because rabies is fatal once symptoms develop, the Monmouth County Regional Health Commission #1 is asking all residents to take the following precautions to prevent rabies:

• Vaccinate your pets against rabies, and make sure that that they receive their rabies booster(s) on time;
• Do not leave pet food outdoors, as it will attract wildlife and they will become adapted to residential environments;
• Keep your pets inside at night, when wildlife (such as raccoons, skunks, bats and coyotes) are more active;
• Keep dogs within your sight in a fenced yard during the day while outside, or walk on a leash;
• Keep all trash and garbage in tightly closed containers;
• If you believe your pet has been exposed to a wild animal, contact your veterinarian promptly;
• If you or a family member is bitten or scratched by a wild or unknown animal, contact your physician right away. Post-exposure vaccination is 100% effective in preventing rabies when administered in a timely manner.

How to recognize potentially rabid wildlife:

 • Difficulty walking – fully or partially paralyzed hind legs, or walking in circles. 

• Looks confused, disoriented, slow. A healthy raccoon will be doing something purposeful, and it’ll look alert.

• Makes crazy noises – most healthy raccoons chatter to each other, or make a real racket when fighting or mating, but usually when they’re foraging about, they aren’t making crazy noises.

• Foaming at the mouth – if you’re close enough to see this, get away!

• Just plain looks sick – shouldn’t be too hard to tell. Raccoons can contract a variety of diseases, including distemper, but in no cases should you risk contact with a raccoon.

Contact the police department (732-449-1234) immediately if you recognize these signs.

Here are some behaviors exhibited by BOTH healthy and rabid raccoons:

• Out during the daytime – totally normal. However, still exercise caution.

• No fear of humans – raccoons have become urban animals like squirrels. Many healthy raccoons have zero fear of people.

 The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh 5K

On October 10, 2015 the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh will be hosting a 5K starting from 16th Avenue in Lake Como at 9:30 am.  The race will travel through portions of the Borough of Spring Lake.

* TRAFFIC ALERT *

All or portions of the following roadways may be closed to traffic during the event:

Third Avenue

Monroe Avenue

South Boulevard

Ocean Avenue

 The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh 5K

Due to weather the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh 5K will be postponed.  The new date for the race is set for October 10th.

 

With the threat of Hurricane Joaquin travelling up the east coast we must start planning.  It’s still too early to determine how much of an impact Joaquin will have on us. Nevertheless, this is the time to make your plans so that you and your family are ready if the storm does affect Spring Lake and the surrounding areas.

• Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash,first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate
• Check the fluids and filters on your generators, test it before you need it.
• Make a family emergency communication plan (http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan)
• Spring Lake has text & email alerting systems for emergency notifications,  to sign up please click here.

Please stay tuned for further information and more specific warnings as this storm develops and gets closer

National Weather Service – National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

 On September 12, 2015 The NJ Firefighters Benevolent Association will hold is 13th Annual Lake Como 5K.  The race will begin at 9:30 am.

**  TRAFFIC ALERT **

During the event portions or all of the following streets may be closed to traffic: Third Avenue, Ocean Avenue, Monroe Avenue & South Boulevard.

On July 23rd, Governor Chris Christie will be speaking at Spring Lake Firehouse #1 at 11:30 am.  The Governor will be discussing the Grant for Wreck Pond.

*** Traffic Alert ***

To accommodate this, the following streets will be closed to traffic.  5th Avenue from Warren Avenue to Morris Avenue and Passaic Avenue from 4th Avenue to 5th Avenue.