Rabies Resources

Simply seeing wild animals out in daylight hours does NOT mean they are sick or rabid. Daylight sightings of healthy wild animals (such as foxes, skunks, raccoons, opossums, etc.) are common.
As the human population continues to increase and expand into areas traditionally only inhabited by wildlife, it's only natural that people will see more wildlife going about their daily routines. Many wild animals are opportunistic, meaning that they will show themselves more if there are more food sources or other things that are attractive to them. Other reasons for being spotted in daylight hours include (but are not limited to): mating, socializing, dealing with or protecting their young, and adapting or moving to a new habitat.
While it is important to know that seeing healthy wild animals in daylight hours is common, it is also important for humans to have respect for wildlife and keep their distance. Wild animals can carry diseases such as rabies - and rabies can be fatal to humans and pets. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has great recommendations for coexisting with wildlife  and preventing conflicts with wild animals.
If you have a concern about wildlife in your area, please contact NCWRC. They have established a valuable helpline for wildlife problems or concerns.
Our Animal Control Team at OCAS is merely a resource for information and/or referral when it comes to most wildlife. They typically only get directly involved in potential rabies cases. Possible exposure to rabies should be taken seriously. The rabies virus can be transmitted when the saliva, blood, or nervous tissue of an infected animal comes in contact with broken skin or any mucous membrane such as in the eyes, nose or mouth. It is a requirement in North Carolina that all cats, dogs and ferrets over 4 months of age be vaccinated against rabies. Please make sure your pets are vaccinated!  If you have a concern about exposure to rabies, you can reach our Animal Control team at 919-942-7387, option 1 (please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies when we are closed).