Certain diseases can also be transmitted through bites. Symptoms of these may include flu-like symptoms, headache , and fever . Do not provoke or tease animals. Report animal bites to animal control authorities so measures can be taken to test animals and prevent further incidents. They are also capable of carrying a variety of infectious diseases.
Bats have an important ecological role in the environment.
However, they can carry rabies. Sick bats should be avoided and all bat bites should be reported to your state's Health Department. Wild raccoons are cute but dangerous, and should be avoided as they can carry rabies. Bites by a wild raccoon or any other wild animal should be reported immediately to a physician or the state board of health. Trials with an oral rabies vaccine are presently under study.