Bites or scratches from a bat, skunk, raccoon, fox, coyote, or large wild animal are especially dangerous. These animals can transmit rabies even if they have no symptoms. Bats have transmitted rabies without leaving a detectable bite mark on the skin. Other wild animal bites Rodents such as mice, rats, gophers, moles, chipmunks, prairie dogs, and rabbits fortunately are considered free of rabies. Squirrels rarely carry rabies.
Outdoor pet bites Most bites from pets are from dogs or cats.
Bites from domestic animals such as horses can be handled using these guidelines. Dogs and cats are free of rabies in most metropolitan areas. The main risk in pet bites is serious wound infection, not rabies. Cat bites become infected more often than dog bites. Claw wounds are treated the same as bite wounds, since they are contaminated with saliva.