Rabid skunk attack triggers warnings – The Carillon

Earlier this month, two attacks by overly aggressive skunks on dogs were reported near Birds Hill Provincial Park.

The second attack occurred at an RM home in Springfield, where a Newfoundland dog was attacked just feet from Ashley Bartel’s home.

A Facebook post by Bartel included videos showing the skunk clinging to her dog’s leg, running away and later being killed.

“After the attack, we lost sight of it, but then our family came by and helped us search for over an hour. We were able to confirm that there were no babies under the house,” Bartel’s Facebook post said. “We finally found it, removed it and had it tested. The result was positive for rabies.”

The report says that in the spring, skunks sometimes go out during the day to forage for food for their young or when they are hungry, but increased aggressiveness is a sign of the disease.

“Skunks are especially active in the spring and early summer, but strange behavior at any time of year can be a sign of rabies in a skunk,” a provincial spokesperson said in an email. “Most rabies cases in Manitoba involve skunks or animals that have contracted rabies from a skunk.”

“Skunks can also contract other diseases (such as distemper or bird flu) that sometimes have symptoms similar to rabies.”

Bartel said her dog is fine after the attack and the skunk did not get through the fur. She also reminded people on her post to be careful.

“Be extremely cautious and alert to any unusual wildlife behavior to ensure the safety of your family, neighbors, pets and livestock.”

The provincial spokesperson said it is important to keep your pets’ vaccinations up to date to keep them protected. Possible animal infections can be reported to Manitoba Agriculture’s rabies hotline at 204-470-1108 and people should seek immediate medical attention.

Rabies is most common in skunks, but also occurs in raccoons, foxes and bats.