Skunks in Colorado Springs test positive for rabies

A total of 10 skunks have tested positive for rabies in El Paso County so far this year, with four of those skunks found near downtown Colorado Springs and Palmer Park.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment say rabies are routinely found along the Front Range.

The skunks were found in yards of residential homes and so far there has been no human contact. Rabies is usually fatal in humans once symptoms appear.

El Paso County and the Health Department is urging the public to protect themselves by never touching or feeding wild or stray animals, keeping pets up to date on vaccinations, and remind children to not play with unknown wild animals.

“Rabies is making an early appearance in El Paso County for the 2018 season,” said Shannon Rowe, El Paso County Public Health Epidemiologist. “The rapid spread of rabies in mammals, such as skunks, into urban areas puts people and pets at risk.”