12 cases of rabid skunks confirmed in El Paso County

A warning from the El Paso County Health Department: 12 cases of rabid skunks were confirmed and eight more are being tested. The most recent infected skunk was found near Pi-Ute Park in Security.

KRDO obtained images from a surveillance camera in that neighborhood that shows skunks are highly present in that area.

The health department is quickly working to figure out if more animals are infected.

Male skunks often get in fights with other males during mating season, which can be causing the outbreak throughout the Front Range and the county.

El Paso County’s public health medical director says pets and children run higher risks.

“Children should not touch any wild animal or an animal that appears to be sick and of course everyone needs to be cautious about that. Make sure you’re pet, your animal is vaccinated. Don’t let them stay out for a long length of time; if you’re walking your pet make sure they’re on a leash,” said Dr. Chris Nevin-Woods.

In 2017, 21 skunks tested positive for rabies.