How can you tell if an animal has rabies?
How can you tell if an animal has rabies?
user
It’s usually a series of behaviors that might look strange.  For example, the animal might be confused or even anxious, it might feel aggressive and attack other animals or people, or it might even attack itself, especially if it’s an animal that isn’t usually aggressive.
assistant
Is there anything else that I might be able to notice?
user
You might notice things in the animal’s behavior, like drooling, or eye flicking, or stumbling, or tail-holding, or unusual staring. Or the animal might look sick, and have other health issues besides the rabies.
assistant
Should I contact someone if I suspect an animal that I see might have rabies?
user
If you suspect the animal has rabies, you should contact the animal’s owner, and also some animal control or other local authority, like the fire department or a local animal control officer, so that they can arrange for a proper veterinarian check. The veterinarian will then be able to make a diagnosis and provide medical treatment, if necessary.
assistant
I will first leave the area to get away from the animal. I don't want to risk being bitten.
user