EAST KINGSTON — A young girl is being treated after she was attacked by an animal, possibly a raccoon, Thursday morning while playing outside with a group of children.

Police chief Reid Simpson said the 5-year-old girl suffered bites to her arm and was rushed to a local hospital.

The extent of her injuries isn't known, but Simpson said the potential for rabies exposure is a concern.

“Wild animals don't usually approach people unless there's a potential issue with rabies,” Simpson said.

Police and ambulance personnel were called to the home at 120 Sanborn Road just after 11 a.m.

Simpson said the girl was playing in woods behind her house with other children when she was bitten. Simpson said her brother told authorities that he grabbed a stick and was able to knock the animal off his sister.

Simpson said he wasn't sure how the girl came into contact with the animal, which was believed to be a raccoon, but Simpson said authorities weren't able to locate the animal to confirm that.

The girl's parents were home at the time and bandaged her arm before help arrived.

Police are warning people to be vigilant after the attack.

“People should be cautious this time of year with wild animals outside, especially in that area,” Simpson said. “If they see anything out of the ordinary or an animal acting strangely, they should report it to the police.”