Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center: Rabies Information, Protection

How do you know if an animal needs help?

If you have to run any kind of wildlife down to catch it, it's probably old enough to survive on its own.

Conversely, if an adult animal is easy to catch, something probably is wrong with it.

Other signs of illness or injury are an open wound or the presence of maggots.

Wildlife Emergencies

Simple Ways to Protect Wildlife

Important Rabies Information

The most important question to ask…

Has there been human or pet exposure? This can be a bite, scratch or even possibly touching the animal.

If a human or domestic animal has been bitten, scratched or otherwise potentially exposed by a wild or domestic mammal, or if there is any question about what constitutes exposure, contact the Hamilton County Health Department 423.209.8110 or 423.209.8010 after hours.

　

Things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your pets from rabies

Do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals and be cautious of stray dogs and cats. Rabid animals do not always appear ill or vicious.

Teach children to leave wildlife alone. Be sure your child knows to tell you if an animal bites or scratched them.

Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats and ferrets against rabies. Keep these vaccinations up to date.

Tightly close garbage cans. Open trash attracts wild or stray animals to your home or yard. Also, consider feeding your domestic animals inside so wild animals are not temped by an easy meal.

Call your doctor or local health department (Hamilton County 209-8110 or 209-8010 after hours)for advice if an animal bites or claws you. Thoroughly wash around the wound with soap and water and report the incident immediately!

Don’t relocate wild animals – this can cause rabies to spread quickly to new areas.

Importation of rabies vector wildlife into Tennessee from other states is prohibited by TWRA regulations. State licensed nuisance wildlife control officers are required to euthanize rather than relocate all raccoons and skunks trapped in these east Tennessee counties Franklin, Grundy. Polk, Bledsoe, Cumberland, Morgan, Scott, Campbell, Anderson, Roane, Rhea, Meigs, Hamilton, Bradley, McMinn, Loudon, Knox, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins, Hamblen, Jefferson, Sevier, Blount, Monroe, Cocke, Greene, Washington, Sullivan, Unicoi, Carter, Johnson. Rehabilitation of raccoons and fox in these counties are only permitted by TWRA licensed wildlife rehabilitators with a rabies vector license. This is strictly enforced. Rehabilitation of skunks and bats is prohibited statewide.

Homeowners should not transport and release animals.

For further rabies information see these websites:

Center for Disease Control

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