A Rabid Animal Rabies may cause the behavior of an animal to change. The animal may be restless, have difficulty walking, eating, drinking, drool saliva, make strange noises, bite or scratch an old wound, or seem to be choking. The animal may become excited, confused, or vicious. It may attack people, other animals, or even fixed objects in its state of illness. Warn children against touching, petting, picking up, or even going near any stray dog, cat, or wild animal.
Children are often victims of rabies.
Wild Animals Beware of any wild animal that seems to be tame, friendly, or is seen in the daytime. The fox, raccoon, and skunk are nocturnal animals which avoid people except in rare cases. When the virus affects their brains they may be seen in areas that are not their usual habitat. They may lose their fear of people and enter buildings, homes, and cars. They may attack anything with no provocation.