Two skunks in Land Park found to have rabies; one person bitten

(FOX40.COM) — A person visiting the Sacramento Zoo was bitten by a skunk this week and in a follow-up operation to catch and test skunks in Land Park, two skunks were found to have rabies, according to Sacramento County.

A news release from the county said three skunks were caught and euthanized after the person was bitten on Tuesday. Two of the three skunks tested positive for rabies.

The county also said that a fourth skunk was caught and euthanized on Thursday and that it will be tested for rabies.

Land Park is one of Sacramento’s largest parks and is also close to the Sacramento River, making it a common area for wildlife to be found.

The county said that rabies can infect all mammals, including humans, and that if a person is bitten by an animal they think has the virus, to call 311 or 916-875-4311.

According to the California Department of Public Health, about 200 animals are found with rabies each year, most often in bats and skunks, since rabies vaccination is common for housepets and some livestock.

The county said that any wildlife or domestic animals that are stumbling, or appear to have seizures or aggressiveness should be reported to local animal control agencies, and that any bites should be treated with soap and water and a follow-up visit with medical providers.

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