Westchester County residents are being alerted of a rabid skunk found in a park last Friday, and are urged to contact the health department if they or a pet may have had contact with the animal.
The rabid skunk was found sick and lying on its back in Reservoir Park, on the Briarcliff Manor side of a fence on the Ossining village border, health officials said. A dog in the park licked the skunk's mouth, but was given a rabies booster shot afterward.
The owner of the dog identified the skunk to police officers and the skunk was shot by Briarcliff Manor police Friday.
Anyone who believes they or a pet may have had contact with the rabid skunk should contact the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000.
Unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal, according to health officials: A rabid animal may become either normally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people and become excited or irritable, or conversely, appear particularly passive and lethargic.
More information can be found at westchestergov.com/health.
