Summer of rabid animal encounters

A rabid fox in Roland Park, beaver attacks at two state parks, a rabid kitten in Baltimore County, and a rabid bat at a Bel Air school.

Rabies cases are actually declining

Last year 226 animals tested positive in Maryland, down from 413 in 2000. No human cases were reported in the decade ending in 2024.

Raccoons lead the rabies count

In 2025, raccoons had 122 cases, followed by skunks with 30, cats with 24, bats with 22, and foxes with 15.

Keep your distance from wildlife

Stay away from wild or stray animals, unfamiliar dogs and cats, and never try to feed them. Don't handle live or dead bats in your home.

“Don't talk to strangers' applies to animals, too”

Prevent animals from entering your home

Tighten garbage can lids, keep pet food bowls inside, fix broken window screens, and cap chimneys to keep animals out.

Vaccinate your pets by four months

Maryland law requires vaccinating dogs, cats, and ferrets against rabies by four months of age.

Get treatment immediately if bitten

Clean the wound and seek medical attention right away. Report bites to local health officials or police so they can investigate.

Rabies is fatal without treatment

Human rabies infections are rare and preventable with prompt treatment. But once symptoms appear, the virus is almost always fatal.