Denver residents have found four rabid skunks in the last four weeks, and that’s a darn good reason to make sure your pets are vaccinated.

The skunks were found on the following blocks:

• 4800 Meade St.
• 2400 W. 26th Ave.
• 850 N. Knox Ct.
• 1360 N. Zenobia St.

So, Interstate 25 seems to be some kind of protective barrier.

Seriously: Rabies is a real viral threat. It often is fatal for animals and people alike. Rabies most often are found in skunks and bats, but it can appear in other animals.

Animals with rabies may:

• Show aggression, confusion or a lack of fear around people
• Stagger, tremble or seem weak
• Be out in the day, which is unusual for nocturnal animals such as skunks
• Bats may be on the ground

What you can do:

• Do not touch, feed or adopt wild or rabid animals
• Do teach your kids to leave animals alone
• Keep your vaccinations up to date
• Close your garbage cans tightly
• Feed your pets indoors
• Don’t mess with skunks and bats