Wild Animals
The most common animals that have tested positive for rabies
in West Virginia are raccoons, skunks and foxes. However, bears, bobcats, coyotes and groundhogs
have also been found to be rabid. And any mammal can get rabies.
How Do I Know If An Animal Has Rabies?
There's no way to know for sure if an animal has rabies without testing it, but there
are some signs to watch for:
1. Strange behavior- Acting very tame or aggressive.
2. Change in voice.
3. Active during a time of day that isn't normal (e.g. raccoons and skunks normally come out at night and not day)
4. Lack of coordination, like stumbling or trembling.
What Do I Tell Other Staff and Campers?
1. Do not approach wild animals.
2. If an animal is acting odd, stay away and share the message. Get
an adult.
3. Tell an adult if you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal.
When Do We Need Outside Help?
Arrange a medical evaluation and contact the local health department immediately if
someone is bitten or scratched by a wild animal. The local health department
can help determine if there is risk of rabies, get the animal tested, and
work with a physician to decide if rabies vaccine is needed to prevent rabies.