A rabid skunk was positively identified in Walker County over the past several days.  Both health officials and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are reminding area residents that wildlife can spread rabies to pets and even to humans.

There are some steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of rabies.

• Make certain that all owned dogs and cats are regularly vaccinated for rabies by a veterinarian.
• Teach children not to approach or play with wild or stray domestic animals of any kind.
• Tell them that even though a baby skunk or raccoon may look cute, it can spread very serious diseases.
• Love your own, leave other animals alone is a good principle for children to learn.

Officials in Walker County say that the rabid skunk was the first positive test for rabies since 2014.