Quick Answer
Families living near wildlife can protect themselves by securing trash and pet food, maintaining a safe distance from wild animals, and promptly reporting any aggressive behavior to local authorities.
Securing the Environment
When living near wildlife, a key preventive measure is securing the environment to prevent attracting wild animals to the area. This involves storing trash in sealed bins with tight-fitting lids, keeping pet food indoors or using animal-proof containers, and avoiding feeding wildlife. For example, in areas with bears, store food and trash in airtight containers at least 10 feet off the ground and 100 feet away from dwellings. In areas with raccoons, store pet food in secure containers indoors, and clean up any fallen fruit from trees to prevent attracting them.
Recognizing Warning Signs
It is essential to recognize warning signs of rabid animals to prevent exposure. Look for unusual behavior such as daytime activity, aggression, confusion, or a lack of fear around humans. Rabid animals may also exhibit unusual vocalizations, such as growling, hissing, or foaming at the mouth. If you notice any of these signs in a wild animal, keep a safe distance and contact local animal control or a wildlife expert for assistance.
Responding to a Rabid Animal
In the event of a rabid animal encounter, prioritize your safety above all else. If the animal approaches you, slowly back away while maintaining eye contact. Do not run, as this can trigger a chase response. If the animal bites or scratches you, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water, and seek medical attention. If you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, report the incident to local authorities and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.