2nd rabid skunk found in El Dorado County

A rabid skunk has been found in a residential and commercial area of Pollock Pines.

The skunk was found in the 2900 block of Fir Drive in Pollock Pines on Feb. 21. The skunk, which exhibited highly aggressive behavior, entered the yard of a resident and came into contact with three dogs. Animal services was called and retrieved the skunk.

Animal services is not aware of any human contact with the rabid skunk. The dogs that came into contact with the skunk are current on their vaccinations and are being quarantined to ensure their health is monitored.

This is the second rabid skunk identified in El Dorado County in 2014. Another rabid skunk was found on Jan. 28 on Autum Way in Shingle Springs.

The following precautions should be taken to prevent the spread of rabies:

• Maintain current rabies vaccinations for pets
• Keep property free of garbage, stored bird seed, and left over pet food to avoid attracting wild animals
• Do not approach or handle any unfamiliar dogs, cats or wild animals
• Report any exposure to bats; bats are one of the most frequent carriers of rabies in California
• Call animal services if you see an animal that appears to be exhibiting signs of rabies
• Notify animal services immediately of any person or animal bitten or potentially exposed to a rabid or suspected rabid animal.