North Carolina barely missed a similar introduction when two of 165 imported raccoons died of rabies before they were released by hunting clubs. Idaho was fortunate that a rabid raccoon, imported as a pet from Florida, did not introduce the raccoon-adapted virus into local raccoons. California is similarly fortunate, because until 1981 an estimated 3,000 raccoons were imported annually from Florida and Louisiana for sale as pets in this state. Vigilance is indicated to prevent the illegal importation of raccoons as pets or for restocking by hunters. Two pet raccoons are known to have developed rabies in California and 10 persons bitten by these animals had to take the antirabies treatment.
Single cases can be calamitous.
Pet skunks are frequent biters. One study showed that 58 percent of 69 pet skunks bit one or more persons during a two-month period. Biting skunks-bit 40 percent of household members. Nine percent of persons contacting skunks in pet stores were bitten. As they develop rabies, skunks are even more likely to bite.