Which Animals Carry Rabies?

Rabies is one of the scariest diseases that can be passed from animals to people. It's a virus that attacks the brain and nervous system, and once symptoms start showing up, it's almost always deadly. The good news is that rabies is very rare in humans in the United States, thanks to vaccines and quick medical care. The bad news is that many wild animals still carry the disease, and every year thousands of people have to get treated after being bitten or scratched.

Knowing which animals are most likely to carry rabies can help you stay safe. It can also help you protect your family, your pets, and your home. Let's take a closer look at the animals that spread this dangerous disease and what you can do to avoid trouble.

How Rabies Spreads

Before we talk about specific animals, it helps to understand how rabies actually gets passed around. Rabies is spread through the saliva of an infected animal. That usually happens through a bite, but it can also happen if saliva gets into an open cut or into the eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus travels through the body and eventually reaches the brain, where it causes serious problems.

Animals with rabies often act strangely. They might seem overly friendly, aggressive, confused, or unable to walk right. Some drool a lot or foam at the mouth. Others might come out during the day when they normally only come out at night. Any animal acting oddly should be considered dangerous, and you should never try to help it on your own.

The Top Rabies Carriers in the Wild

In the United States, most rabies cases in wild animals come from just a few species. These are the ones to watch out for the most.

Raccoons

Raccoons are the number one rabies carriers in the eastern United States, including Virginia. They live almost everywhere, from deep forests to city neighborhoods. Raccoons are smart and curious, and they often dig through trash cans, climb into attics, and explore backyards. A rabid raccoon might stumble around, act aggressive, or even attack pets and people without warning.

If you see a raccoon during the day, that alone doesn't mean it has rabies. Mother raccoons sometimes look for food during daytime hours. But if the animal seems sick, acts strange, or won't leave when you make noise, keep your distance and call for help.

Skunks

Skunks are another big rabies carrier, especially in the central and southern parts of the United States. Most people know skunks for their terrible spray, but their bite is what really matters when it comes to disease. Rabid skunks may become bold and unafraid of people, which is very different from their usual shy behavior. If a skunk approaches you instead of running away, that's a warning sign something is wrong.

Foxes

Both red foxes and gray foxes can carry rabies. They usually stay away from people, but a sick fox may act completely different. It might walk into yards during the day, approach pets, or seem confused. Foxes are also known to attack small dogs and cats, especially when they're sick or protecting their young. In fact, foxes can be dangerous to pets even when they're healthy, so it's important to keep your animals safe.

If you spot a fox on your property that seems sick or aggressive, don't try to handle it. Professional fox removal services by a company such as Blue Ridge Wildlife & Fisheries Management can safely take care of the problem without putting anyone at risk.

Bats

Bats are one of the most common carriers of rabies in the United States, and they're the animal most often linked to human rabies cases. That's because bat bites can be so small you might not even notice them. A person could be bitten while sleeping and never feel a thing.

If you wake up and find a bat in your bedroom, or if a bat is found in a room with a child, elderly person, or anyone who might not be able to tell you if they were bitten, it must be treated as an emergency. The bat should be caught safely (without touching it with bare hands) and tested for rabies. Never try to handle bats yourself. Bats can be helpful animals that eat thousands of mosquitoes, but any close contact with a bat needs to be taken seriously.

Coyotes

Coyotes are found in almost every part of the United States now, including many places in Virginia. They usually avoid people, but a rabid coyote can be very dangerous. Sick coyotes may attack pets, livestock, or even humans without being provoked. Keep small pets on a leash and don't leave pet food outside, especially at night.

Other Animals That Can Carry Rabies

While the animals above are the biggest carriers, other mammals can catch and spread rabies too. Any warm-blooded mammal can technically get the disease, though some are more likely than others.

Groundhogs and woodchucks are the most common rabies carriers among rodents. Most small rodents like mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits almost never carry rabies, but larger rodents can.

Bobcats are rare in most areas but can carry rabies. If you see one acting strangely, stay far away.

Feral cats and stray dogs can also carry rabies if they haven't been vaccinated. This is why pet vaccinations are so important. Pets can catch rabies from wild animals and then pass it to their human families.

Animals That Do Not Usually Carry Rabies

It's helpful to know which animals almost never have rabies too. Birds, snakes, lizards, turtles, fish, and insects cannot get rabies because they aren't mammals. Opossums are mammals, but their body temperature is so low that they very rarely carry the disease. Small rodents like mice and squirrels are also very unlikely to have rabies.

That said, any wild animal bite should still be checked by a doctor, just to be safe.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Staying safe from rabies is mostly about being smart and careful around wildlife. Here are some easy rules to follow:

• Never touch or feed wild animals, even if they look friendly
• Teach children to stay away from wild animals, no matter how cute they seem
• Keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccines
• Don't leave pet food or trash outside where wildlife can get to it
• Seal up holes in your home to keep bats and other animals from getting inside
• Bring pets in at night when wild animals are most active
• If you get bitten or scratched by a wild animal, wash the wound right away and see a doctor

What to Do if You Find a Sick Animal

If you see an animal acting strangely, don't try to catch it or scare it away yourself. Keep your kids and pets inside, and call your local animal control or a professional wildlife removal company. Trained experts have the right tools and safety gear to handle sick animals without getting hurt.

Rabies is a serious disease, but it's also one you can avoid with a little knowledge and caution. By knowing which animals carry rabies and how to keep your distance, you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your family and pets safe.