Which animals might have rabies?
Rabies is found mainly in wild animals such as bats, skunks, foxes, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, etc. Cats, dogs and livestock can also become infected with rabies if they are bitten by rabid wild animals, and they have not been vaccinated. Rodents such as rats, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs and squirrels are not likely to be infected with rabies. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to avoid touching, handling, or adopting wild or stray animals.

How do people get rabies?
People can get rabies from animal bites or, rarely, from infected saliva getting into the eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound. Brain tissue can also be infectious and should not be handled, such as when skinning an animal.

How do I know if an animal has rabies?
The first sign of rabies is usually a change in the animal’s behavior. Animals may act more aggressive or more tame than usual. Nocturnal animals like skunks, foxes and bats may be out during the day. Rabid animals may stagger, tremble, or seem weak. Bats may be found on the ground, unable to fly. Rabid animals may appear agitated and excited or paralyzed and frightened. Sometimes, rabid animals do not show any signs of illness before death from rabies. Thus, contact with wild animals should always be avoided.

If a wild animal does not run away when you approach it, it may be sick or injured. Do not try to help it. If an animal is acting strangely, stay away from the animal and call your local rabies animal control office. 

All animal bites should be reported to your local animal control office. 

What should I do if an animal bites me? 

1. Immediately wash the bite wound with soap and water.
   If the wound requires medical treatment, call your family doctor.
2. Try to capture the animal without damaging its head or risking further exposure.
3. Notify your local animal control office. If the biting animal is a dog, cat, or livestock animal, they will place it under 10-14 day observation. If it remains healthy for that period, no risk of rabies transmission exists.
4. If a bat, skunk, fox, coyote, or other wild animal bites you, the animal should be presumed rabid until laboratory testing is complete. Call local animal control and the local health department immediately.
5. If the animal is not captured, you will need to consult your doctor, and the local health department about whether you need to start anti-rabies preventative treatment.