Rabies can infect any mammal including humans, but wild raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats are the most common carriers of rabies. Rabies is a virus that effects the brain and spinal cord. It is transmitted when body fluids (especially saliva) of an infected animal touch the broken skin or mucus membranes, mouth, nose or eyes of other animals or people. Once infected, animals can carry the virus for six months before showing any symptoms.
See below for a list of symptoms.

Remember, there is NO CURE for rabies once an animal or human shows symptoms. Because of the seriousness of this disease, it is important for people to learn everything they can do to minimize their chances and their pets of becoming infected.

Firstly, all contact with wild animals, especially bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons should be avoided by you and your pets. People should not handle baby or injured wild animals and pets should not be allowed to roam at will or hunt.

Your pets: Close attention should be paid to vaccination expiration dates. An animal whose vaccination has expired has no more protection against rabies than an animal who has not been vaccinated at all! Dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies beginning at twelve to sixteen weeks followed by a booster nine months to one year later. Boosters are then given every 1-3 years (depending on the vaccine and local laws).

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal who seems ill, seek immediate medical attention. If your pet comes home with injuries suggestive of a fight with another animal call your vet as soon as possible.
 
Symptoms in pets and wild animals   (Back to Top)

   1. Vague changes in temperament.
   2. May hide and shun company.
   3. May be unusually attentive and affectionate.
     * Animal must be well known to observe these symptoms
   4. Restlessness.
   5. Nervousness.
   6. Developing viciousness. First towards strangers and then towards anyone (they do not recognize family  members/owners).
   7. May wander far, snapping at anything in its path.
   8. If restrained, will chew viscously to free itself.
   9. May bite itself.
  10. May break its teeth.
  11. Froths at the mouth or drools excessively. Saliva may be tinged with blood.
  12. Oblivious to pain.
  13. Paralysis of vocal chords causes strange utterances and hoarse howls.
* At this time one may mistakenly think the animal has something caught in its throat and infect themselves while attempting to look in the animal's mouth.

If you see a wild animal exhibiting any of these symptoms, please do not try to approach it.
Call the refuge for assistance at 609-983-3329.

Never, ever approach any animal that seems to be acting in a strange or sick way, especially wildlife.
Do not risk your own life for the sake of compassion.   Call for help and stay away!