Rabid skunk cases more than quadruple in El Paso County

It’s a stinky, dangerous situation that’s growing in El Paso County: rabid skunks.

Data from the El Paso County Public Health Department shows rabies-infected skunks have more than quadrupled since the beginning of the decade.

Below is a graph to break down the numbers. Cases were in single digits in 2010 and 2011, but that skyrocketed last year when we saw 21 cases. But this year tops that with a whopping 46 cases to date.

Hannah Scott spotted one this Wednesday as she was dropping off her kids before work.

“I saw something moving in the driveway, so I stopped to see what it was before I realized it was a skunk,” Scott said.

Scott said the skunk was stumbling around, toppling over, and not able to keep on its feet.

“There’s a lot of people that come through here, so I was kind of horrified,” Scott said.

Scott called the El Paso County Public Health Department for help to get the animal removed but learned they don’t send anyone out unless someone has been exposed or bitten.

Haley Zachary, an epidemiologist with the county, explained what to do if you’re not exposed.

“In most cases where there hasn’t been an exposure, the best method is to call a private pest control agency,” Zachary said.

An important reminder as prime rabies season hasn’t started yet.

“Rabies season is typically in the warmer months which is from late May to October,” Zachary said.

You can find information about how to protect yourself and pets, and how to recognize sick wildlife by clicking here.