SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Wildlife urges outdoor recreationists to remain cautious following two separate incidents involving unusually aggressive wildlife behavior in Catron County.
In different incidents, a bobcat and a fox approached and engaged with hikers and campers within the Gila Wilderness. Though nobody was bitten, these reports raise suspicion of rabies infection, and come after a bobcat tested positive for rabies in Sierra County in March.
Rabies has been diagnosed in both bobcats and foxes in New Mexico. Rabid animals may be aggressive and unafraid of humans, or they may be unusually quiet and tame. If you see a potentially sick wild animal, report it to your local animal control officer or to your local New Mexico Department of Wildlife conservation officer.
The Department of Wildlife and the New Mexico Department of Health recommend the following to keep you and your family safe from rabies:
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Always keep pets on a leash. Pets should be up to date on rabies vaccinations and wearing current license tags on their collar. If your cat or dog has been bitten or scratched, especially by a wild animal, call your pet's veterinarian even if the wound is superficial.
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Horses and other livestock should also be considered for rabies vaccination to protect them from rabid animals that may attack them.
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Stay away from wild or unfamiliar animals. Do not attempt to feed, approach or touch wild animals (alive or dead). Teach this important message to your children and always keep a close eye on your children.
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If you or someone you know is bitten by an animal, or comes into contact with an animal's saliva, wash the exposed site immediately with soap and water. Be sure to report the bite to local animal control and seek medical care as soon as possible.
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If you or your pets are bitten or otherwise exposed to the saliva of wild animals, seek medical care immediately and contact the NMDOH Helpline at 833-SWNURSE (796-8773).
