Rabid fox in GShoals leads to warning

The fox was found 5:30 p.m. Oct. 19 and tested positive for rabies after being sent to the Texas Department of Health, officials said Thursday.

Officers are asking residents to watch for bats, coyotes, skunks, raccoons and even domestic animals that are not acting normal. Other indications of rabies include nocturnal animals moving around in daylight.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also list these warning signs: changes in an animal’s behavior; general sickness; problems swallowing; an increase in drool or saliva; wild animals that appear abnormally tame or sick; animals that may bite at everything if excited; difficulty moving; and paralysis.

Never touch a suspected rabid animal, even if it’s dead, officials said.

Residents who spot what may be a rabid animal are asked to call (512) 756-8080 so an animal control officer can be dispatched.