Wildlife Awareness & Safety
Learn to recognize potentially dangerous wildlife, understand rabies risks, and protect yourself, your family, and your pets from wildlife encounters.
High-Risk Wildlife
These animals are more likely to carry rabies and require extra caution
Bats
Very High RiskMost common rabies carriers in many regions
Warning Signs:
- Flying during daylight
- Ground dwelling
- Unusual behavior
Raccoons
High RiskAggressive when infected, common in urban areas
Warning Signs:
- Out during daylight
- Uncoordinated movement
- Aggressive behavior
Skunks
High RiskNocturnal animals active during day may be infected
Warning Signs:
- Daytime activity
- Unusual aggression
- Drooling
Foxes
Medium-High RiskCan become aggressive and lose fear of humans
Warning Signs:
- Approaching humans
- Unusual vocalizations
- Paralysis
Safety Guidelines
- Never approach or attempt to handle wild animals
- Keep pets on leashes and supervise outdoor activities
- Secure garbage cans and remove food sources
- Seal entry points to prevent wildlife from entering buildings
- Teach children to stay away from wild animals
- Report unusual animal behavior to local authorities
What To Do If...
Wild animal in your yard
Keep pets and children indoors, call animal control
Animal acting strangely
Maintain distance, document behavior, report to authorities
Pet encounters wild animal
Separate immediately, check for injuries, contact vet
Wild animal in your home
Evacuate area, call professionals, do not attempt removal
Emergency: Animal Bite or Scratch
If you or your pet are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, seek immediate medical attention. Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear, but can be prevented with prompt treatment.