The rabies virus is present in the saliva of a rabid animal. Many wild and domestic animals can be infected with rabies: dogs, foxes coyotes, wolves, and bobcats; also skunks, bats, raccoons, otters, cats, and ferrets.
Small rodents, such as rabbits, opossums, squirrels, chipmunks, rats and mice are rarely infected, and their bites rarely, if ever, call for rabies treatment.
HOW DO YOU SPOT A RABID ANIMAL?
Rabid wild or domestic animals act weird.
- Rabid animals often act in a strange not so normal manner.
- Rabid night animals are often seen in the daytime.
- Rabid wild animals often appear to be tame.
- Rabid animals have trouble chewing and swallowing.
- Rabid animals may chew on their old wounds over and over.
- Rabid animals often have a hard time eating, drinking, and walking.
- Rabid animals may become mean, drool, or become timid and withdrawn.
IF YOU SUSPECT YOU HAVE A RABID ANIMAL: Do this.
- REPORT THE ANIMAL TO ANIMAL CONTROL
- DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL
