By Liam McConnell Published June 20, 2022 at 3:17 pm A raging skunk was found in St. Catharines, indicating a possible danger to the health of the inhabitants of the city. This is the fifth tearful skunk found in the area this year. That puts Niagara on the right track to find a similar number to last year, where he saw 14 raging animals, 12 skunks and two raccoons. Skunks are generally non-aggressive, usually spraying their strong scent and running away. As a result, skunk bites are quite rare. However, rabies has an evolving “crazy dog” strategy that makes otherwise docile animals very aggressive. Skunks are ranked as the third most likely animal to suffer from rabies in 24.7% of cases, behind only raccoons (32.4) and bats (27.2). The virus enters their bloodstream most often through a bite that is transmitted through the animal’s saliva. While the symptoms are slow to appear, if people are bitten, eventually the brain swells resulting in nausea, vomiting, violent movements, excitement, fear of water, partial paralysis, confusion, coma and eventually death. Once these symptoms appear, the disease “is essentially 100% fatal,” according to the World Health Organization. Animals with rabies often show behavioral signs of infection. In the case of skunks, usually nocturnal creatures will roam during the day. They may find it difficult to move and look like they are in crisis. Furious lads often lose their sense of fear around people. Normally skimpy, a healthy lad is much more likely to turn his tail and run away. However, rabies irritates the nervous system and pushes for aggressive behavior. Finally, a rage victim, for fear of water, can not swallow any of his saliva. Excess accumulates creating a foam in the mouth. This allows the virus to spread more easily. However, due to the long time between infection and the onset of symptoms, a tsaboukas may be in tears but still have no symptoms. Niagara Health said all wildlife stings should be evaluated medically. They also advise residents to;
keep vaccinated dogs and cats do not leave pets unattended or unattended outdoors, Avoid contact with wildlife and avoid contact between pets and wildlife Report abnormal wildlife (especially raccoons) to local animal control services: Welland SPCA: 905-735-1552 Lincoln County Humane Society: 905-682-0767 Niagara Falls Humane Society: 905-356-4404 Fort Erie Humane Society: 905-871-2461
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