# How to protect yourself from rabid animals

> Despite alarming encounters this summer, rabies cases are declining in Maryland, but caution is still needed.
- Title: How to protect yourself from rabid animals · The Banner
- Summary: Despite alarming encounters this summer, rabies cases are declining in Maryland, but caution is still needed. If bitten by any animal, clean the wound…
- Keywords: rabies, maryland, maryland department of health, st. margaret school, bel air, harford county, cunningham falls state park, seneca creek state park, frederick county, montgomery county, animal bites, public health
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/community/public-health/rabies-maryland-department-of-health-tips-H22XMYLTABEYNLCE52GMX2PO5Y
- Author: Sara Ruberg
- Published: 2026-09-16T18:15:21.173+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rabies, maryland, maryland department of health, st. margaret school, bel air, harford county, cunningham falls state park, seneca creek state park, frederick county, montgomery county, animal bites, public health
## 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.
## Key takeaway

If bitten by any animal, clean the wound immediately and seek medical attention right away to prevent rabies infection.