Rabies in Wild Animals
Rabies is a very dangerous virus that is spread by the bite of an infected animal. Any mammal (even people) can be infected with Rabies, although raccoons, bats, skunks, fox, and coyotes carry the disease most frequently. This does not mean that all animals of these species are infected, but that contact with these animals should be avoided, and special care should be taken to watch these animals closely for signs that they may be infected.
Signs that an animal has Rabies can include a wild animal that is aggressive, anxious, and unafraid of people, or one that is acting depressed. Some infected animals will foam at the mouth.
If you see an animal that displays the symptoms of Rabies, go inside or as far away from the animal as you can, and call your local animal control officer, who will be able to help. Be able to describe where you saw the animal, if it appeared to be going anywhere, and what symptoms it displayed.
If you are bitten by any wild animal, cleanse the bite wound with soap and water, and then seek medical help, either at your family doctor or hospital, immediately. Rabies in humans can be treated if prompt medical action is taken1. It is also very highly recommended (and probably required by law in your state) that your pets be vaccinated against Rabies on a regular basis, as dictated by your veterinarian. Even if your pet is up to date on its Rabies vaccine, if he or she sustains a bite from a wild animal, it is a good idea to alert your veterinarian, who may want to take further steps (such as boostering the vaccine) to protect your pet from infection with the virus.
References:
1) http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/rabies.html