10/23/2026
Thank you for this much needed awareness Wild Things Rehabilitation Society 🦨
Recent news about a skunk testing positive for rabies in Vancouver has understandably raised concerns. As wildlife rehabilitators, we want people to be informed without becoming afraid of the wildlife around them.
What should you look for?
Rabies affects the nervous system. Warning signs can include:
• Unprovoked aggression or repeated attempts to bite.
• Unusual behaviour or approaching people without typical fear.
• Staggering, disorientation, paralysis or difficulty moving.
• Bats found grounded, unusually weak or unable to fly.
These signs don’t automatically mean rabies. Animals may behave unusually when injured, sick or frightened, and rabies cannot be diagnosed by appearance alone.
How does rabies spread?
Rabies is transmitted primarily through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. Scratches may also pose a risk if contaminated with saliva.
It is not spread simply by being near wildlife. Skunk spray, urine and f***s are not routes of transmission.
In BC, bats are the main natural source of rabies. Rabies in other wild mammals is uncommon, making this incident unusual.
How can you stay safe?
• Give wildlife space. Never touch, feed or attempt to capture it.
• Teach children to observe animals from a distance.
• Supervise pets and keep dogs on leash where appropriate.
• Keep your pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date. Vaccination is an important layer of protection if an encounter occurs.
• Report wildlife behaving unusually to local animal control or the appropriate wildlife authority.
What if you’re bitten or scratched?
Wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice immediately. If you have direct contact with a bat, contact public health even if you cannot see a bite mark.
If your pet encounters a potentially rabid animal, contact your veterinarian promptly. Don’t wait for symptoms. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, but preventive treatment after exposure can prevent the disease.
Awareness, distance and up-to-date pet vaccinations help protect our communities, our pets and wildlife.
For reliable information, visit bccdc.ca
