BURNET — Another rabid skunk has been found in a Burnet County city, this time in Burnet, state biologists said April 7.
Police took custody of the animal April 4 after they responded to a call on Oak Street, according to Crista Goble Bromley, a city spokeswoman.
The state Department of Zoonosis, which tests for rabies, confirmed the animal had the virus.
Another rabid skunk was found March 1 in the same area of the city.
Burnet Animal Control Officer Kim Wilson warns any animal acting strangely — whether wild or a pet — should be reported immediately.
Contact the animal control officer at (512) 756-8080, the Police Department at (512) 756-6404 or, in the event of an aggressive animal, phone 911.
"Citizens are warned not to approach or try to capture an animal that is acting sick or aggressive," Wilson said.
Burnet residents should not leave food outside their homes that may attract skunks or other wildlife, he added.
So far, three rabid skunks have been found in the span of a month in Granite Shoals, officials said.
Officers fear the city's large population of feral cats could become infected by any rabid skunks or other diseased wildlife. They are asking residents not to feed the felines, as well as to avoid any animals acting odd.
"We've got to do everything we can to curtail this problem," police Capt. Clint Low said.
There have been no reports of human injuries, officials said.
Granite Shoals residents who suspect an animal is rabid should call (830) 598-4818, Low said.
The police dispatcher will send an animal control officer or other official to capture or retrieve the creature, he added.
Residents should not try to capture, corner or handle the animal themselves, Low said.
