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Healthy Kids!

Don't Touch Wild Animals

Bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes have many things in common. They're all wild animals and they help us by eating insects and other pests. Unfortunately, they also have one other thing in common--they all can carry a disease called rabies. You can get rabies by being bitten or scratched by an animal that is sick with the disease. If this happens, you must go to the doctor so you won't get sick.

To make sure you don't get rabies, don't touch or try to play with any wild animal. Most wild animals are afraid of people and stay away. Many only come out at night. Sometimes, animals with rabies will act sick or mean, fight with other animals, bite at trees or even chase people. If you see wild animals that are friendly or are out during the day, stay away and tell your parents or a policeman.

Dogs and cats can also get rabies just like people, by being bitten or scratched by a sick wild animal. But you can keep your pets safe by making sure they get rabies shots at the veterinarian. Ask your parents if your pets have had their shots. Don't pet or play with dogs or cats you don't know. They could be sick and give you rabies. If you do get bitten or scratched, tell your parents right away so they can make sure you don't get sick.

Bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes can also spread rabies to cows or horses and other wild animals. So remember, no matter how cute or tempting, don't touch or play with any wild animals.

Reprinted with the permission of the Illinois Department of Public Health



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