Rhode Island year-old, 91, faces hundreds in costs for rabies shot after raccoon attack
Reported by The Independent · October 18, 2026
Attack near the mailbox
Hamilton was walking to his mailbox when a raccoon approached and attacked him. The mailbox was close to his front door, and he had his cane with him.
He said the raccoon returned after being kicked off the stairs and appeared ready to attack again. Hamilton fought it off by striking it over the head with his cane.
Injuries discovered later
Hamilton initially did not realize the raccoon had made contact with him. He later noticed puncture marks at the bottom of his pants, which had also been torn. The animal had swiped the back of his leg, leaving two fang marks on his calf.
Reports and vaccine cost
Hamilton went to CVS, where the vaccine was available. The shot cost him more than $400 because his insurance did not cover it.
Key points
- Hamilton was attacked by a raccoon while walking to his mailbox in Rhode Island.
- He used his cane to fight off the animal and later found two fang marks on his calf.
- He contacted wildlife and health officials after the attack.
- His rabies vaccine cost more than $400 because insurance did not cover it.