Animal Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions in regards to animal contact, sightings and general precautions to be taken when encountering wildlife on our campus.
I heard that all bats carry rabies, is this true?
Like most mammals, bats can contract rabies and be a potential source of human infection. This isn’t a reason to fear these animals in general because less than one half of one percent of healthy bats carry the virus, and transmission to humans requires close and direct exposure (e.g., a bite). However, the likelihood of a bat carrying rabies is greatly increased if it appears ill or is showing abnormal behavior. Any bat that is active during the day, is found in a place where bats are not normally seen, or is unable to fly is more likely to be sick and, like all other wild animals, should never be handled.
What if I touched a bat?
Touching a bat should be considered a potential rabies exposure until proven otherwise. If you have had contact with a bat (bite, scratch, or if you are unsure) the Occupational Health Program (staff), University Health Services (students), or your personal physician should be contacted immediately for instructions and advice. Any bat that has contact with a human should be collected and tested for rabies as soon as possible by submitting it to the state rabies lab for testing. EHS can guide you through the steps following a potential rabies exposure and help to collect the bat and submit it for testing. Contact EHS at (512) 471-3511.
How can you tell if an animal has rabies?
You usually cannot tell if an animal has rabies just by looking at it. Rabies can only be confirmed by a laboratory test. Animals with rabies may act differently than healthy animals. Wild animals may move slowly or act tame. A pet that is usually friendly may snap at you and try to bite.
There are two types of rabies. One type is “furious” rabies, which is more common. Animals with this type are hostile, may bite at objects, and have an increase in saliva. In the movies and in books, rabid animals foam at the mouth. In real life, rabid animals look like they have foam in their mouth because they have more saliva.
The second and more common form is known as paralytic or “dumb” rabies. An animal with “dumb” rabies is timid and shy. It often rejects food and has paralysis of the lower jaw and muscles.
Signs of rabies in animals include:
- Changes in an animal’s behavior
- General sickness
- Problems swallowing
- An increase in drool or saliva
- Wild animals that appear abnormally tame or sick
- Animals that may bite at everything if excited
- Difficulty moving or paralysis
- Death
Animals in the early stage of rabies may not have any signs, although they can still infect you if they bite you.
What if I see a raccoon, opossum, or skunk out during the day?
Although nocturnal animals are most active throughout the night, it is not an indication that something is necessarily wrong if seen out during the day. Nocturnal animals often DO come out during the day.
Pet food, bird seed, and garbage can be powerful attractants. Weather changes, construction, or public events can also affect wildlife. A mother skunk or raccoon will often venture out in the daytime to take a well deserved break from her babies. At certain times of the year, particularly in the fall, animals must be efficient in preparing for the winter and maximize their foraging time to find food, therefore starting out during daylight is not uncommon. Another possibility to consider is if an animal has been displaced from its home due to construction, then it is forced to move on sometimes during the day in search of a new shelter. The winter and early spring months signifies mating season for most species, meaning a peak in activity throughout the day for that time frame. Often, nocturnal animals seen in the early morning/afternoon hours are just taking their time getting home.
If a nocturnal animal is out during the day and is sick you will know it. The symptoms when an animal is sick or injured can vary, but regardless it’s fairly obvious that something is wrong. If you are concerned, please call EHS (512) 471-3511 or the City of Austin Animal Services (311) immediately about ill animals. Don’t attempt to take action yourself.
What happens to the animal after they're captured?
An incident may be resolved in a number of ways including immediate release of the animal, relocating the animal to private property, or transferring the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
What if I am bitten by an animal?
Wash the affected area with thoroughly with soap and water and get medical advice immediately. All animal bites, regardless of the species or the severity should be examined by a physician as soon as possible. During normal working hours staff can contact the Occupational Health Program, students can call University Health Services. Alternately, you can contact your personal physician.
I’ve found an injured or orphaned animal. What should I do?
Call Wildlife Rescue at (512) 472-9453. Wildlife Rescue is a local non-profit wildlife care organization. EHS can also be called and will respond if they can help (512) 471-3511.
What kind of wildlife is on / around campus?
The University of Texas at Austin campus is home to many wildlife species. Some of the more common species are: raccoons, opossums, squirrels, bats, snakes, skunks, and many birds. Please respect our wildlife residents and do not harass them in any way. This is their home too!