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Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) officials are reminding individuals to take precautions to protect against rabies. Spring brings warmer weather and a rise in outdoor recreational activity, increasing the potential of exposure to wildlife.

CCPSHD urges people to follow the following precautions to protect from rabies:

• Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual behaviors, such as showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly, and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.

• Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.

• Always keep pets away from wild animals.

• Never pick up, touch or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.

• Report any wild animal exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.

CCPHSD advises individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they are bitten or have contact with a wild animal.

Rabies Cells

Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian and call the appropriate authorities if their pet is bitten by wildlife:

• Wildlife emergency: 911

• Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management: 928-679-8756

• City of Flagstaff Animal Control/Flagstaff Police Department: 928-774-1414

• To report unusual wildlife sightings or behavior call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756

For more on rabies see http://www.westernoutdoortimes.com/story/2013/05/15/wildlife/bobcat-attacks-show-low-woman/628.html .