With the warm weather upon us, more of us are likely to be outside enjoying everything nature has to offer. These outings increase our chances of encountering wildlife. While most of us prepare for the obvious dangers, such as a bear encounter, it’s actually the less threatening wildlife that can be the most lethal. How you ask? Rabies. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 90% of reported rabies cases are wildlife. The most common wildlife infections are found in raccoon, skunks, foxes and bats.The majority of human rabies reported are due to close contact from pets. This is mainly because an animal may be infected with rabies for quite some time before they start developing symptoms, anywhere from two weeks to two months.
Not only is there a variable incubation period, not all wildlife exhibit the same symptoms. Skunks, foxes, raccoon and dogs usually display what is called “furious rabies”

“Furious Rabies” symptoms:

• agitation
• restlessness
• unprovoked aggression
• animals may attack anything that moves and even inanimate objects

BATS often display what is referred to as “dumb rabies”

“Dumb Rabies” symptoms:

• unusual friendliness
• may be found on the ground unable to fly
• animal may stumble
• appear disoriented
• uncoordinated
• wander aimlessly

Other common rabies symptoms:
• depression
• paralysis, often beginning in the hind legs or throat• drooling and frothing at the mouth.
• vocalizations ranging from chattering to shrill screams.
• nocturnal animals may become unusually active during the day
• raccoon have a tendency to walk as if they’re on very hot pavement

There are several other illness that may mirror rabies, such as distemper and toxoplasmosis. Unless you are certain, stay away! Avoid the animal and keep your pet away from the animal too! Treatment for human infection is painful and if you do not receive treatment in time, it will likely be fatal. Not just fatal, but an excruciatingly painful death. I myself have only had one rabies encounter. Animal Control brought in a German Shepard that was infected. I will never forget the sight of that poor dog and how disgusted I was with the owners for not having him vaccinated in the first place.The poor dog was in pain and just so far gone. He obviously had to be euthanized. There is no cure for rabies but the good news is rabies is preventable. Vaccinate your pets and stay alert when outdoors.

Photo courtesy of R0Ng, used with permisssion