Rabid Animals On The Rise In Hopatcong, Police Warn

HOPATCONG, NJ — Rabid animal sightings have surged in the past month, Hopatcong police warn, and shared safety tips to avoid coming in contact with diseased animals.

"Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the nervous system. It is most often seen in wildlife such as raccoons, bats, skunks, groundhogs, and foxes. Domestic cats, dogs, and ferrets can also get rabies, if not vaccinated.," police warn.

Police shared these tips to prevent rabies:

• Vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and other animals against rabies
• Avoid contact with wild animals. Enjoy wildlife from a distance.• Do not let pets roam free outdoors unsupervised
• Cover garbage cans securely and do not leave pet food outside
• Prevent bats from entering your home. If you find a bat, do not touch it. Only let it go if you saw the bat enter the home and are absolutely sure no people or household pets had any contact with it.
• If you or your pet has an encounter with a wild animal, contact Hopatcong Police Department immediately at 973-398-5000.

Image via Mr.TinDC, Flickr