BUXTON — Police are looking for a dog that bit a person after being hit by a car on Route 202 in Buxton on Saturday.

A dog described as a boxer or pit bull with tags was hit by a car on Route 202 near Pennell Road, state Buxton Police on Facebook.

When the motorist got out of the car to check on the dog, it bit them and ran off. Police officers were unable to locate the dog for care.

The dog was further described to be about 90 pounds with a brindle pattern, or brown with streaks of other colors, and white on its chest.

“Our officers were unable to locate the dog for care. It’s imperative we locate this dog for vaccination history,” said police.

Police originally posted the notice on Saturday, and reposted it on Monday to let the public know the dog ha not been found.

Anyone with information should call 929-6612.

Rabies is a deadly virus that can be transmitted to people when bitten by an infected animal. Human rabies cases in the United States are rare, with only one to three cases reported a year, according to the Center for Disease Control. The number of cases of human rabies in the United States has declined steadily since the 1970s, thanks to animal control and vaccination programs, according to the CDC.

Maine law requires pet owners to vaccinate their dogs against rabies within 30 months of the dog turning six months. The dog then must have periodic boosters.

The Maine Center for Disease Control reports six cases of animal rabies in Maine so far this year. None of the reported cases were dogs — five were raccoon and one was a red fox.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.