A rabid raccoon was found in the Sandy Creek Ranches area in north Austin on April 20th. This is the second rabid raccoon case to occur in a five-mile area in the last two months.

Because of the close vicinity and timeline of these occurrences, it is important to take special precautions to protect your family and your pets from rabid animals.

Signs of Rabies

Rabies is transferred through bodily fluids, typically from the saliva of a rabid animal through a wound or bite. It is crucial to spot the signs of a rabid animal so you can keep a safe distance away from it. Rabid animals are dangerous and have a higher chance of attacking if approached.

Foaming at the mouth

Foaming at the mouth is a telltale sign that an animal is rabid. The rabies virus creates an inability to swallow and an intense thirst which causes the foaming at the mouth.

Strange animal behavior

The rabies virus disrupts motor functions which cause nocturnal animals like a raccoon, fox, skunks or bats to come out during the daytime. Rabid animals will walk strangely, run into objects, make unusual sounds, and have full body seizures.

What to Do If You Spot a Rabid Animal

If you spot a rabid animal you should contact your local Animal control center. The Austin and Travis County Animal Control Services handles animals that are a danger to the community.