One of the best things about summer is the fact that the weather is much warmer and more inviting. This means both wild animals and humans typically spend more time outside, which increases the chances of interaction between the two. Since a number of wild (and also domestic) animals can carry rabies, it is important to keep watch ensuring you aren’t bitten and infected. If you suspect a certain animal has rabies or is a carrier, immediately get away from it and seek out professional animal control services.
Which Animals Are Typically Carriers Of Rabies?
Even though rabies is extremely rare in people, it is still very important to know which animals to avoid because it is a disease that could become fatal. Since you and your family are almost guaranteed to be spending time outdoors in the summer months, you’d be wise to avoid:
- Bats
- Raccoons
- Opossums
- Skunks
- Foxes
- Some domestic pets, as well
Why Are Raccoons So Dangerous When It Comes To Rabies?
Raccoons are one of the most common animal carriers of rabies, with the primary risk being the potential to infect people, pets and other wild animals. There are ways to identify a potentially rabid raccoon, which involve recognizing the symptoms and signs. The most obvious examples include the animal staggering as if it is “drunk,” weeping at the eyes and frothing or salivating at the mouth. Unexplained lethargy or aggression, as well as the fur on the animal’s face appearing tangled and wet, are all signs that the raccoon is likely rabid.
What About Other Animals?
When talking about wild animals, there’s a distinction that needs to be made here. On one hand, animals like bats, foxes and skunks are more commonly known to CARRY rabies. On the other, animals like possums and raccoons are among the most likely animals to TRANSFER the disease to domestic pets by means of bites. Believe it or not, domestic pets are actually among the worst culprits when it comes to spreading rabies because they’re often bitten by infected wildlife.
Raccoon season, even though they look cute, they can be a carrier of rabies.What To Do If I Encounter A Rabid Animal?
There are different ways of telling whether a particular animal is rabid and one of the most obvious ones is its general behaviour. If you notice possums, raccoons and other nocturnal animals during daylight hours, as well as if they seem unafraid of humans, it is vital that you KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. Since it is not a good idea to approach wild animals in the first place, steering extra clear of them if you suspect they may be rabid, is the way to handle such a situation.
Need Help With Wildlife Removal? Go With Skedaddle
Whether you notice wildlife in or around your home or property, and especially so if you suspect they may be rabid or carrying the disease, it is best to get in touch with a trusted, reliable and effective professional animal control provider. If this is what you’re after, look no further than Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Skedaddle has been in the wildlife control and removal business for more than two decades, helping over 200,000 satisfied homeowners can testify to the company’s effectiveness, reliability and humane approach. Get in touch with Skedaddle today and have the professionals take care of your wildlife problem, so that you can enjoy the summer to the fullest.