Pets & Animals

Residents Spot Rabid Skunks Across North Texas

FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ― A recent rise in rabies cases across North Texas has some health officials concerned. Eight rabid skunks have been found in one area of north Fort Worth. Four more were found in Denton. All were found in the first few months of the year.

"I was a little worried because my daughter has four kids and they stopped by over the weekend," said northwest Fort Worth resident Bonnie Luper. "I told her to check and make sure to keep an eye out."

All of the cases are in areas where new homes are pushing into the countryside. In Fort Worth, eight rabid skunks were found between March and May, all on the city's growing north side. In Denton County, four cases were found near the town of Ponder.

All of the rabies cases dealt with skunks, but health experts warn that other animals can put people at risk, too.

"These animals are highly adaptable, particularly coyotes," said David Fullbright with Fort Worth Animal Control. "Skunks are nocturnal, possums, racoon. We have to recognize they have a right to live too, and we have to avoid contact as much as possible."

However, in areas near homes, something as simple as pet food becomes a lure for wild animals.

Those who enjoy having the countryside in their backyard find the rabies news alarming. It is keeping some of them at home. "I was walking out in the back," said north Fort Worth resident Latasha McElory. "Now, I stay up here where I can get in my house in a hurry if I see something."

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