Rabies Season Is Here!

Well, it's that time of year again. Rabies season is here, and so far this year, there have been 16 cases of rabies reported in the State of Kansas. See link here:

http://www.vet.ksu.edu/depts/dmp/service/rabies/2009/KSpos09.htm

As you can see, all but three of the reported cases have been from skunks. Here in Eureka, there have been several reports of skunk activity during daylight hours. While it is unusual for skunks to be seen during daylight hours, it is not totally unheard of. Here are a few reasons you might observe a skunk moving about during daylight hours:

1. Bad Weather: Skunks will move about when the space in which they reside beomes too wet, too cold, or both. They will look for someplace dryer and warmer, and often will move about in daylight to do so.

2. Noise or other disturbances: Skunks will move about if the space in which they reside is no longer habitable due to continuous loud noises or other disturbances. Some of these might be disturbances from chainsaws, quads(four-wheel drive motorcycles), activity from nearby bull dozers or dump trucks, or any other loud and/or continuous activity which they consider threatening.

3. Food: Skunks are omnivores, meaning they eat meat and plant materials. They are also attracted to garbage, and pet food. Skunks are also one of the primary predators of the Honeybee, relying on their thick fur to protect them from stings. The skunk scratches at the front of the beehive and eats the guard bees that come out to investigate. Mother skunks are known to teach this to their young.

Skunks typically account for about 20-25% of all reported rabies cases, nationwide. Not all skunks "carry" rabies. Clinical signes of rabies in skunks can last from 1 to 18 days, before the animal dies. If you should come across the dead carcass of a skunk, you should notify Animal Control for removal.

The main point is that while many people think that skunks are nocturnal animals, this is just a popular myth. Actually, skunks are crepuscular, meaning they come out mostly at dawn and dusk. During late summer and early fall, skunks may be seen more frequently during the day as a result of the young exploring their new world.

Rabies - What You Should Look For:

1. Furious Rabies - Generally indicated by heightened agression, irritability and restlessness. Instead of running away or displaying warning behavior, such as hissing, stamping it's feet, etc. - which a skunk will normally do - it will actively pursue the pet or person trying to bite them.

2. Dumb Rabies - These animals are lethargic, depressed, partially paralyzed and may appear unusually tame. They may stumble about, often appearing to be drunk, or they may just sit still, weaving about unsteadily. They will eventually die.

If you should encounter a skunk showing the signs of either of the above - call Animal Control immediately. Do not attempt to trap the animal yourself!

As with anything related to wild animals, common sense should dictate caution when you have a close encounter of any kind. As the weather warms up, you may encounter many other animal species wandering about during daylight hours. Just remember to exercise caution, and report anything you think might be unusual.

You can reach me at 750-0302, anytime.