Rabies has infected ground animals in Massachusetts after 40 years of being found only in bats. In caves crowded with bats, it is possible to inhale the virus floating in the air.
Rabies is very rare among rodents like squirrels, rats, mice and chipmunks.
Until recently, rabies was rare in this state. However, rabies in raccoons first appeared in Massachusetts in September 1992 and is spreading quickly. Rabid animals often behave strangely after the virus attacks their brains. Rabid animals may attack people or other animals for no real reason, or they may lose their fear of people and seem to be unnaturally friendly. Not all rabid animals act this way, however, so you should avoid all wild animals - especially bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons.