A rabid raccoon bit a man in Lula earlier this week after two dogs had attacked the animal. A rabies alert has been issued for the area.

The incident happened at Moss Oak Farm in the Athens Street area of Lula, said Officer David Jones with Hall County Animal Control.

One of the dogs had the raccoon in its mouth when the man, whose identity was not released, tried to retrieve the animal.

"A gentleman reached up and tried to snatch the raccoon out of the dog's mouth, and when he did that it bit him," Jones said.

The raccoon was shipped Wednesday to the Georgia Public Health Lab, Virology Section in Decatur and confirmed positive for rabies. This is the fifth confirmed case of 2011.

Alert signs will be posted in the area where the rabid raccoon was found. If you live in this area or you see an animal acting abnormally, contact Hall County Animal Services at 770-531-6830 or during nonworking hours call Hall County Dispatch at 770-536-8812.

Animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their pets and livestock for rabies. Vaccines are available for $10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at the Hall County Animal Shelter at 1688 Barber Road in Gainesville and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia at 845 W. Ridge Road in Gainesville.