A wild groundhog was captured at the Maryland Zoo on July 8, after showing signs of rabies.
The groundhog was found after following around a zoo visitor. It was confirmed rabid after zoo staff gave it a rabies test, according to the Maryland Zoo.
All mammals are at risk for rabies, and it can be transmitted from the spit of animals who have it. It may make wild animals act calmer or social, and domestic animals more aggressive.
If infected, they might stumble around, drool or become paralyzed. You cannot get rabies by just being in the same area as a rabid animal, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
In 2017 alone, 112 animals have been diagnosed with rabies around Maryland, including raccoons, bats, foxes and four other groundhogs.
Any person who touched or was touched by a groundhog at the Maryland Zoo between June 24 and July 8 should call the Maryland Department of Health for risk assessment during their business hours at 410-767-5649 or after hours at 410-795-7365.
