Rabies is a fatal disease of mammals caused by a direct contact virus that attacks the central nervous system. It lives in the saliva and is passed by a bite, or through an open wound or scratch coming into contact with the infected saliva. It is treatable in its early stages, but once it enters the brain, it is fatal.
Any mammal can contract rabies.
Wild animals that are out at night are the main carriers, but livestock, pets and humans are susceptible. The primary carriers vary from area to area. In Santa Clara County it is found mostly in bats and skunks. You may not. Symptoms in the earlier stages are not always obvious.