Racoon that entered Maddock bar and caused health scare tests negative for rabies

Courtesy: National Park Service: Odom
Courtesy: National Park Service: Odom

(Maddock, ND) -- The raccoon involved in an incident at a bar in Maddock tested negative for rabies.

Authorities say 38-year-old Erin Christensen is facing criminal charges after bringing the animal with her to the bar last week, potentially exposing other patrons to rabies and leading to a statewide warning.  She told authorities she and her family discovered the raccoon they named Rocky by the side of the road a few months ago and took it in, with plans to later release it back into the wild.  

According to the North Dakota Board of Animal Health, the raccoon was later euthanized, and it was determined that it didn't have the disease.