Skunk Found In Littleton Tests Positive For Rabies

LITTLETON, CO — A skunk found in Littleton has tested positive for rabies, Jefferson County Public Health said. The rabid skunk was found near the northeast corner of S. Kipling Parkway and W. Chatfield Avenue on Wednesday, July 24, health officials said.

"This is the sixth skunk to test positive for rabies in Jeffco this year," the county said in an alert to residents.

Anyone who came may have come in contact with the skunk is asked to call their medical provider as soon as possible, officials said.

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Jefferson County Public Health offers the following tips for preventing the spread of rabies:

• Vaccinate all cats, dogs, ferrets and valuable livestock.
• Don't let your pets to roam free.
• Contact animal control if you find a dead bat or skunk, if you find a bat or skunk behaving strangely or if you or your pet are bitten by any animal.
• Wear gloves to clean up your pet after a wild animal encounter.
• If bitten or scratched by a pet or wild animal, wash wounds with soap and water and call your doctor.

A rabid skunk was found in Morrison earlier this month, and a bat tested positive for rabies in Lakewood in June.