Key Takeaways
- Rabies is a fatal virus that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans.
- It is primarily transmitted through saliva via bites or scratches.
- Over 90% of rabies cases in the U.S. occur in wildlife and the most common are bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes
- Critter Control has been protecting people and pets from nuisance wildlife and rabies for over 40 years.
Perhaps the greatest danger associated with a nuisance wildlife infestation is the risk of rabies. Rabies, a deadly viral disease, affects the central nervous systems of all mammals, including humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. In the United States, wild animals are the primary carriers (over 90% of reported cases occur in wildlife). It spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually through bites.
The Most Common Nuisance Wildlife with Rabies
A rabies reservoir refers to an animal species that primarily carries and maintains the rabies virus within a specific geographic region. These animals are the primary source from which the virus can spread to other animals and humans.
These species are the most common “rabies reservoir” in the United States.
- Bats
- Raccoons
- Skunks
- Foxes
They are also some of the more common nuisance wildlife that invade people’s homes and properties.
Other Common Critters that Carry Rabies
Deer and large rodents, such as beavers and woodchucks, have been found to have rabies in affected areas.
Source
What Are the Signs of Rabies in an Animal?
You cannot definitely tell rabid animal by just looking at it. That’s why we recommend that if you find evidence of a raccoon, bat, skunk, or other nuisance wildlife, do not attempt to catch it yourself!
Some signs indicate an infected animal, including:
The most common signs observed in wildlife are incoordination and erratic/uncharacteristic behavior
- Behavioral changes
- Unusually aggressive or unusually tame
- Apparent lost of fear of humans & predators
- Excited, irritable
- Affectionate & friendly
- Physical Symptoms and Movement Issues
- Difficulty swallowing and excessive drooling
- Staggering
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Marked change in voice
- Unusual Activity Patterns
- Nocturnal animals (skunks, raccoons, bats) active during the day
- Approaching people
- Snapping at nothing (fly biting)
Bats and Rabies
Bats are one of the most common rabies reservoirs, but infected bats make up less than one percent of the total bat population. Nevertheless, if you find a bat roosting in your attic, avoid it!
Spotting infected individuals isn’t easy, as the mammals are small and active, and are almost exclusively nocturnal. Trying to spot common symptoms like a foaming mouth on a bat would put you in danger.
Signs of a Rabid Bat
- Bat that is lying on the ground
- A bat that is unable to fly or is easily approached
- A bat inside the living space of your home
Rabies is transmitted via scratch, bite, or when infected saliva comes into contact with human eyes, mouths, or open wounds. Bat bites can go unnoticed. If someone is in a room with a bat, the safest precaution is to get tested for rabies.
Rabid Raccoons
Infected raccoons may exhibit unusual behavior, such as aggression, disorientation, or a lack of fear toward humans and pets—signs that can indicate a rabies infection. Because the virus is spread through saliva, bites from rabid raccoons pose a serious health risk.
Signs of Rabid Raccoon:
- Unusual aggression – excessive snarling, growling, or unprovoked attacks
- Staggering or disoriented movement – appears drunk or off-balance
- Nocturnal activity during the day – active in broad daylight (unusual for raccoons)
- Excessive drooling or frothing at the mouth
- Unresponsiveness or lethargy – unusually tame or slow to react
- Vocalizations – strange or continuous noises such as high-pitched whining or screeching
- Paralysis or dragging limbs – especially in the hind legs
- Self-mutilation or biting at the air – erratic behavior not typical of healthy raccoons
Rabies vs Canine Distemper
Canine distemper in raccoons can have similar symptoms to rabies. In both cases, a raccoon will act strangely. In both cases, a raccoon can appear disoriented and have a loss of coordination. In either situation, avoid a sick raccoon! Canine distemper cannot be transmitted to humans, but your dog can get it. If you see a raccoon behaving bizarrely, call animal control to report it.
Rabies and Skunks
Rabid skunks are marked by aggression, wandering during daytime hours, muscle tremors or paralysis, excess salivation, and may appear approachable. It is possible for an infected skunk to not exhibit symptoms for weeks, which means all skunks are potentially dangerous and should be avoided.
Rabies in Foxes
Foxes are natural carriers of rabies and are considered significant reservoirs in certain regions of the U.S., particularly in the Southeast and parts of the Southwest. A rabid fox may show sudden aggression, lose its natural wariness of people, or act overly tame. Infected foxes might also exhibit erratic movement, staggering, or appear disoriented, common signs of neurological impairment caused by the virus. Because foxes are often active during the day and night, spotting one in daylight isn’t always abnormal, but if it’s behaving oddly or approaching humans, avoid it and call wildlife professionals.
What Mammals Rarely Get Rabies
Although technically possible, small rodents and lagomorphs rarely get rabies
- squirrels
- chipmunks
- rats
- mice
- rabbits
Can coyotes get rabies?
Yes, coyotes can contract rabies. According to the CDC, coyotes account for less than 1% of all rabies cases in the United States. Like the other animals, if you see a coyote behaving aggressively,
Can an opossum get rabies?
While technically possible, opossums almost never get rabies. Opossums have unique features that make it rare to contract rabies. Their unique immune system may make them more resistant to rabies, and their lower body temperatures makes it harder for rabies to survive.
Do armadillos get rabies?
Armadillos are mammals and can technically contract rabies, but rabies in armadillos is exceedingly rare., Their low body temperature makes it harder for the rabies virus to thrive. However, any wild animal acting strangely—regardless of species—should be avoided. Armadillos are more commonly associated with leprosy (Hansen’s disease) in rare cases of prolonged or direct contact.
Animals that Never Get Rabies.
Rabies is only occurs in mammals so wildlife like birds, snakes, turtles, lizards, and amphibians never get rabies.
How to Protect Pets and Domestic Animals from Rabies?
The rabies vaccine is the best way to protect your animals from rabies.
Simple habitat modifications can keep wild animals like raccoons, skunks, and foxes out of your yard. Secure trash. Remove food sources. Block off access to the shelter. Protecting your home from bat infestations requires more maintenance.
How Critter Control Protects You from Rabies
Critter Control uses physical separation from a potentially infected animal whenever possible. We much prefer to trap the animal in a box style trap that can more safely be carried than to initiate physical contact with the animal using a catch pole or as a last resort heavy leather gloves.
For over 40 years, people have trusted Critter Control to safely remove wildlife, such as raccoons, bats, and skunks, from their properties. Whether in the attic or digging under the shed, our experts can safely remove any nuisance wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions on Nuisance Wildlife and Rabies
Contact your local animal control agency to arrange for the safe pickup of the infected animal.
Do not approach it! If the animal is on your property, you’ll need to call a professional wildlife removal company. Most local animal control departments do not remove wildlife from homes. If you see a suspicious animal in public, call your local animal control office.
Protection is provided through education, population reduction, and removal of potentially infected animals
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7563794
- https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/about/index.html
