AKWESASNE -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services will conduct an oral rabies vaccination drop for raccoons in Akwesasne from June 2 and 3.

The program uses fixed-wing aircraft to distribute baits over large geographic areas, flying about 500 feet above ground level.

It is expected that the flight over the southern portion of the Akwesasne Territory will take one or two days, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe says.

Exact drop dates will be posted on the Tribe's Facebook page and announced on CKON.

The baits, coated with fishmeal and oil to make it more attractive to the raccoons, resemble fast-food ketchup or mustard packets. The vaccine and bait are not considered to be dangerous to humans, pets or other wildlife. People who find a bait packet near their home are advised to leave it where they found it unless it is an area not likely to attract a raccoon or in an area frequented by children or pets.

Those who move the bait should handle with a glove and wash hands thoroughly because it smells quite bad, the tribe said.

More info: Wildlife Services at (866) 487-3297, Rabies Field Coordinator Jordana Kirby at (865) 363-9381 or the tribe's Environment Division at (518) 358-5937.