Crazy Raccoon

Sparrow Google "About aggressive Raccoons".   Here is one link you should find listed on the web page.  Don't blame you for your concern but, I don't find it unusual, the response you got from the PSGC.
 
Hope this helps ease your concerns, maybe you could send it to the regional office so they have a answer for the next person that calls for advice. https://www.torontowildlifecentre.com/wildlife-emergency-rescue-hotline/conflicts-with-wildlife/common-raccoon-problems/are-raccoons-dangerous-to-people/
 
Again, this link is but one bit of info, there is several including Youtube videos on the web page.

When I use to coon hound I've had coon come down a tree like and whip or at least to whip my dogs, a few had even been shot. They will definitely fight if cornered! Might be why the native Americans called them the little bears.As long as it was not foaming at the mouth, falling over when walking or walking in circles he was basically acting normal.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BTDT, I could add plenty more now embarrassing antics to my historical youth. I am only fortunate that
I was not subjected to the scrutiny  the youth are held to today. In my youth I may have been just fortunate in the "boys will be boys" attitude of the law years ago.
 
Wj & BTDT, I guess I was over reacting to the unexpected behavior of the Raccoon. I went back down without the pup however I carried a shotgun. I figured if it was still there and acting aggressive I would fix that. No sign of the bandit.  I have grand children and my wife who spend lots of time down there.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
btdt

Sparrow in no way were you over reacting, If my memory serves me right, the PSGC was dropping packets of food containing rabies vaccinations in areas having known rabid wild animals and, raccoon's were the prime target.  
 
Stories of people being bitten by rabid beaver have been reported and not too long ago a angler fishing at the mouth of French Creek and the Allegheny in Franklin was bitten by a Otter. 
 
So a Raccoon suddenly turning from fleeing to attacking, you can rest assured, I'd be reacting too.

BeenThereDoneThat.
Sparrow in no way were you over reacting, If my memory serves me right, the PSGC was dropping packets of food containing rabies vaccinations in areas having known rabid wild animals and, raccoon's were the prime target.  

15 years ago when we lived with my in-laws, a cargo plane was flying low over the valley behind their house doing this.  Had no idea what was going on.  Couple of 'em landed in the driveway.  The dogs found a couple in the driveway - basically fish meal patties with the vaccine in a capsule inside of it.
 
There was a phone # printed on 'em which I called and they said "Don't let your dogs eat them!"  
 
Well then don't drop them in our driveway you dum****es!  

   rsquared , I have heard of them doing that. My Lab would have surely overdosed on them. He does not have an appetite he has the Black Hole.  
  PS. Update on Raccoon.
      The first time I went back down about hour after our encounter I left the pup ( 5 month old Lab) at home. I did take a shotgun and rooted around trying to find the bandit, fully intending to kill it if it acted aggressive with just me there. Kind of glad he moved on and we have not seen him again.
 
       I have had many close encounters with Bear and only one with cubs showed aggression. She came at me twice as close as 5' with the hair up on her back , blowing , and stomping down on her front paws. I was frozen with that encounter, and believe me after it turned from the second time it came at me I turned and went directly away. I was in an odd situation, as it was a Blackberry jungle with the skid road I was on the only sane way to get through it. When she came at me there was deep swamp 50 ft one way on the skid road and the cuds were the other direction. She came at me the first time I froze and she swatted ends and went back in the jungle. I hesitated with the impenetrable black berries behind me the swamp the other way and moma and cubs the other. I must have hesitated to long (3-5 seconds) and she came at me again. She then swatted ends again and so did I right through those brambles. I have never felt so good entering and closing the door on a vehicle.
      

   BTDT, I was not born and raised in Franklin however I have grown fond of the area. It is an expensive County tax wise. I  believe the Commissioners squander tons of money on ridiculous and wasteful projects. I lived in Mercer County, Sandy Lake and have property in a few other Counties, all cheaper tax wise.
    That said, I find the area is great for an outdoorsman. Also I can fairly easily hit many other places.

We were almost neighbors for a while. I live in Wyattville now. I lived for 25 years in a place like you live now and had to move to nurse in-laws. Love to get back to solitude however we are now taking care of Grandchildren. The dedicated river fishermen on Allegheny are telling me the Smallmouths are way way down much like the clarion Juniata and Susquehanna. Wonder what's up.
I fish the rivers however the last couple years high water and my opportunities did not mesh.  

BTDT, The gardens get some of our money every spring.
          I do not fish French Creek as often as I should. I always intend to float it and something comes up. My Brother comes from State College every year and floats it.

Will have to share some yarns sometime . I fish Pymy about once a week. Was out last Saturday and Sunday chasing eyes in that wind. With the forecast of only 5-8  mile/hr winds they sure fooled me. Managed 7 eyes but truly worked for them.