Question: Which animals carry rabies?

Answer: Carnivores, such as foxes, skunks, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes and wolves, are not legal to possess and could have the rabies virus without showing any signs. These carnivores should not be handled even if an infant is injured. Any rabies exposure to these animals should be reported to Animal Control so that a report can be made and the animal can be tested. Humane traps can be set to attempt to capture the animal, if it is not already contained.

Bats that bite or scratch a person or domestic animal are of great concern regarding potential rabies. Protect yourself when containing the bat and call Animal Control to have a report made and to pick up the bat for rabies testing. If you locate a bat inside your home and are not sure if a bite or scratch has occurred, contact Animal Control for guidance before disposing of the bat.

Dogs, cats and ferrets should always be vaccinated against rabies. Although these animals are not born with rabies as some carnivores are, they can be exposed and be of risk to humans. Larger animals, such as dogs, cats and ferrets, can survive an attack of a rabid animal and contract rabies. The state requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets that bite or scratch be confined for a 10-day quarantine period. The 10-day period is necessary to observe the animal for any signs of rabies.

Small animals and rodents, such as squirrels, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, chipmunks, rats, mice, gophers, moles, rabbits and hares, seldom survive an attack from a rabid animal and do not normally carry rabies. Any bite or scratch from these animals should be treated, but Animal Control does not take reports or confine these animals for rabies testing.