Skunk tests positive for rabies near American River Parkway – and a popular spot for families

A skunk that was found “staggering” last week near the American River Parkway and a popular family destination tested positive for rabies following an autopsy, Sacramento County officials reported Friday .

The animal was found “exhibiting neurological signs” June 19 near a state Department of Fish and Wildlife facility on Nimbus Road in Gold River. Although officials have not disclosed the precise location of the facility, it corresponds to the area of ​​the Nimbus Fish Hatchery.

Fish and Wildlife personnel humanely euthanized the skunk and sent it to the National Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory in Davis for testing, according to a county report. Test results came back positive Tuesday.

As of May 31, the California Department of Public Health has reported 38 total cases of rabies in animals in the state this year, including five cases in Sacramento County — four in skunks and one in a domestic cat. No human cases have been reported in the county in 2024.

Last year, the state recorded a total of 202 cases of animal rabies. Sacramento County had 12 bats and two skunks test positive in 2023, according to state figures.

Rabies is a fatal disease of the nervous system caused by a viral infection, usually spread to humans and other animals through bites and scratches from an infected animal. The animals most likely to spread the disease in the United States are bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is essential to seek medical attention immediately if you have received a scratch or bite from a wild animal. Post-exposure treatment is available and almost 100% effective in humans, but it must be administered soon after infection. Once symptoms of the disease begin to appear, it is almost always fatal.

The initial symptoms of rabies in humans are similar to those of a cold or flu, but symptoms progress to agitation, confusion, difficulty swallowing and excessive salivation, among others, according to the Mayo Clinic.

In animals, rabies manifests itself as fear, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering, paralysis and convulsions, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Sacramento County officials encourage visitors to the American River Parkway to avoid contact with wildlife, report any sick or injured wildlife exhibiting unusual behaviors to local animal control authorities or wildlife officials, and to immediately wash any animal bites or scratches and seek medical attention.

If you have been bitten by an animal suspected of being infected with rabies, you can contact the county at 311 or 916-875-4311.