Groton — A raccoon found in the area of West Main and Gravel streets in Mystic tested positive for rabies on Monday, the Ledge Light Health District reported.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including people. It is spread mostly by wild animals, but stray cats and dogs may also become infected and spread the virus. The rabies virus lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. Rabies can be spread by scratches from infected animals or when infected saliva comes into contact with open wounds, breaks in the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.)

The public is being warned to refrain from feeding or approaching any wild or stray animals.