Question 1

Do I need to be worried about foxes passing on rabies?

Accepted Answer

•

Foxes can catch rabies. However, it is rare, and even rarer for them to pass this disease on to humans. If you do see a fox in your vicinity acting strangely, disorientated, having seizures, or randomly trying to bite, contact your local animal control, police, or Department of Environmental Control. And if you are scratched or bitten by an animal you suspect has rabies, seek medical treatment immediately.

Question 2

What time of day are snakes most active?

Accepted Answer

•

The time of day that most snakes are active is at night. This is when they prefer to hunt since they can do so under the cover of darkness, out of sight of predators and the prey they stalk. However, some snake species prefer very hot temperatures and are strictly active during the day.

Question 3

Where do armadillos go during the day?

Accepted Answer

•

Many people only see armadillos at night because the closer the animals are to the city, the more they stay in their burrows during the day to avoid noise. More rural armadillos are more likely to come out during the day when they can warm up in the sunlight and avoid predation by owls and cougars.

Question 4

Are snake repellents safe to use?

Accepted Answer

•

Some snake repellents are risky to use around people and pets because they use the active ingredient in mothballs, naphthalene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified naphthalene as a carcinogen that can cause damage to the liver, neurological issues, and cataracts.

The Colorado State University Extension suggests there’s not enough conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of snake repellents to recommend their use.

Question 5

What diseases can raccoons spread?

Accepted Answer

•

Raccoons can spread viruses and bacteria to humans and pets, including rabies, canine and feline distemper, parvovirus, Salmonella, and leptospirosis. These can all cause a range of illnesses.