DDPHE Blog: Avoid Wildlife Contact this Spring to Prevent Rabies

DDPHE Blog: Avoid Wildlife Contact this Spring to Prevent Rabies

Published on April 21, 2025

Spring has sprung, which means more Denverites are venturing outdoors and encountering wildlife. While these creatures may seem adorable, they can pose significant risks, including the transmission of diseases such as rabies. Denver Animal Protection (DAP) encourages residents to resist the urge to interact with or touch wild animals and instead prioritize safety for both humans and animals.

Rabies is a highly dangerous virus transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, primarily through bites or scratches. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. With wild animals accounting for over 90% of reported rabies cases in the U.S., untreated infections can be fatal, boasting a staggering 99.9% mortality rate. Contact with infected bats is the leading cause of human rabies deaths in this country; at least 7 out of 10 Americans who die from rabies in the U.S. were infected by bats. People may not recognize a bat scratch or bite, which can be very small, but these types of contacts can still spread rabies.

As a result of the danger presented by rabies, DAP takes interactions between humans and wildlife extremely seriously. Any skunk, raccoon, bat, coyote, or fox, handled by a person or in contact with a pet, must be euthanized and tested for rabies. Even a seemingly healthy animal could be carrying rabies and not exhibit any symptoms. If you encounter these animals, do not approach or try to touch them and keep a safe distance. If you find a bat in your home, talk to a healthcare or public health professional and have the bat captured for possible rabies testing.

Every year, DAP officers see incidents that highlight the risks associated with handling wildlife, particularly young animals. Bringing them into homes and interacting with them can expose people to rabies, necessitating post-exposure vaccinations and quarantine for pets. It's crucial to understand that young wildlife seen alone are often not orphaned; many species leave their young in safe locations while foraging for food.

If you see sick or injured wildlife, DAP instructs Denverites to leave the animal alone and contact DAP at 720-913-2080 or the Denver Police non-emergency number at 720-913-2000. DAP works closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment and wildlife rehab centers in the state. Our officers can assess if an animal needs to be humanely euthanized or transported to a rehab center for care. DDPHE recommends taking extra precautions to protect pets from rabies by keeping them up to date on regular rabies vaccines as well as keep pets away from wild animals. By exercising caution and avoiding unnecessary interactions with wildlife, individuals can mitigate the risks associated with rabies and promote the safety of both humans and animals alike.

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