You're at risk of contracting rabies through a raccoon you need to consider educating yourself on the matter. Per the CDC there are 1-3 cases of rabies reported ANNUALLY in this country.
If you were going to pick an animal to be afraid of due to rabies you'd be a lot better off if you picked bats, not raccoon. Although the bats are dying off so that problem may 'solve' itself.
For some perspective:
According to the NOAA, over the last 20 years, the United States averaged 51 annual lightning strike fatalities.
It's true that not many cases of rabies are reported; however, it's not true to say that you're "[not] at risk of contracting rabies through a raccoon". This is a species in which rabies is endemic, and in Massachusetts it periodically spikes. Bat rabies has been around in Massachusetts longer, but raccoon rabies is more of a problem given the larger population and greater likelihood of contact with humans. In fact, in 2014 there was a case in the Boston area of a woman being attacked in her bed by a rabid raccoon. So, I think better advice would be to "seriously think" that it's a possibility that a raccoon has rabies, avoid contact, and take steps to discourage their presence. The guy who took this picture probably has neighbors or a landlord who are very sloppy at securing their trash, which means you'll get a raccoon population in the area (also skunks). Don't let animals see your home as a food source and they won't be attracted.
You're "at risk" of millions of things every minute of the day. If you're even going to worry about this particular risk, then you should be worrying much, much more about getting struck by lightning. Do you?
It's true that not many cases of rabies are reported;
I think every case of rabies is reported. At least in humans. When someone contracts rabies, it is either treated or the person dies (with the exception of some extremely rare cases, which are still reported). In both cases, reports are made to the CDC.
Comments
Adorable!
Possible rabies is so cute!
.
Not letting them in is cute!
I don't think John invited them inside.
Schrödinger's Raccoons
Simultaneously have and don't have rabies.
We don't know until we open the door.
if you seriously think
You're at risk of contracting rabies through a raccoon you need to consider educating yourself on the matter. Per the CDC there are 1-3 cases of rabies reported ANNUALLY in this country.
If you were going to pick an animal to be afraid of due to rabies you'd be a lot better off if you picked bats, not raccoon. Although the bats are dying off so that problem may 'solve' itself.
For some perspective:
According to the NOAA, over the last 20 years, the United States averaged 51 annual lightning strike fatalities.
Additional perspective
It's true that not many cases of rabies are reported; however, it's not true to say that you're "[not] at risk of contracting rabies through a raccoon". This is a species in which rabies is endemic, and in Massachusetts it periodically spikes. Bat rabies has been around in Massachusetts longer, but raccoon rabies is more of a problem given the larger population and greater likelihood of contact with humans. In fact, in 2014 there was a case in the Boston area of a woman being attacked in her bed by a rabid raccoon. So, I think better advice would be to "seriously think" that it's a possibility that a raccoon has rabies, avoid contact, and take steps to discourage their presence. The guy who took this picture probably has neighbors or a landlord who are very sloppy at securing their trash, which means you'll get a raccoon population in the area (also skunks). Don't let animals see your home as a food source and they won't be attracted.
You're "at risk" of millions
You're "at risk" of millions of things every minute of the day. If you're even going to worry about this particular risk, then you should be worrying much, much more about getting struck by lightning. Do you?
I don't know about that...
I think every case of rabies is reported. At least in humans. When someone contracts rabies, it is either treated or the person dies (with the exception of some extremely rare cases, which are still reported). In both cases, reports are made to the CDC.
A raccoon in her bed?
I don't wish to be judgmental about other's sexual preferences, but I hope she was practicing safe sex.
Even If You Take Those Steps, It's Still Possible To Adore Them
If there's something to be
If there's something to be afraid of nowadays, people will be. Most people are afraid of their own shadow.
No more dangerous than a couple of
BC coeds stumbling out of Mary Ann's.