Sunday afternoon I was out walking with my son in our neighborhood (McLean, VA - about 1 mile from Tysons) when he spotted a raccoon in broad daylight. Luckily, we were only a couple of doors from our house and I hurried him inside.
Besides being out and about at 2:30 in the afternoon, the raccoon had a very funny look to it (glassy eyes, it wasn't walking straight) and I surmised it had rabies or something else. It wasn't aggressive, in fact it was the exact opposite of aggressive, but neither was it fearful of people. I spent a total of about 30 minutes hanging out on and along a sidewalk next to a grassy play area in our park.
Luckily I had my phone and was able to call animal control to come in and dispose of him. I also had my carry gun with me (Colt 1991A1). Since the raccoon didn't threaten me or my son, I didn't draw on it, but was thinking to myself (especially as the 911 operator debated with me whether or not a strange acting raccoon out during the day in a park where kids play was really a threat that warranted sending animal control!!!) about what action to take if it became necessary.
What is the law in Virginia generally about shooting suspected rabid animals? How about in fairfax? Is there a prohibition? Do I need a hunting license (I have one, not a problem)? Can I discharge a centerfire handgun in Fairfax? Perhaps even more important, if anyone has faced this situation in the past, what posture have the local police taken regarding your actions (especially in Northern Virginia)?
FWIW - Animal Control came and caught him within seconds. He didn't try to get away until he was being put in a cage - and at that point some jerk came up with two dogs unleashed and let them run right up to the cop as he was struggling to put the raccoon in the cage. Said jerk got a stern talking to and a hefty fine.