Denver Animal Protection is asking residents to quit bringing wild animals into their homes to play with, and apparently this isn't a theoretical concern.
Harboring wild animals is an actual thing Denverites are doing, and consequences can be gnarley: bites, disease and even death.
"This spring, DAP officers have already responded to calls of people who brought baby animals into their homes and played with them, presenting a serious rabies risk," Denver Animal Protection wrote in a statement. "Those who have handled the animals must go to their doctor and may receive post-exposure rabies vaccinations. If their pets at home were in contact with the animals, they must be quarantined for up to 45 days."
We get it. Fuzzy creatures are cute, but are they really worth rabies? For those of you who answer yes, are they really worth killing to cuddle?
Here's the rub: "Any skunk, raccoon, bat, coyote, or fox, handled by a person or in contact with a pet, must be euthanized and tested for rabies," Denver Animal Protection explained. "Even a seemingly healthy animal could be carrying rabies and not exhibit any symptoms. If you encounter these animals, do not approach or try to touch them and keep a safe distance."
Some people apparently think that if they see a young animal out and about without a parent near it's orphaned. Not so, according to Denver Animal Protection. The moms are likely off looking for food while the kids hang out alone for hours.
"Generally, if good Samaritans intervene, thinking the babies are abandoned, they do more harm than good," the agency wrote.
So what should you do if you see a wild animal?
Don't feed it. Don't touch it. And definitely don't bring it home. Just leave it alone.
And if it seems sick or hurt, the city wants you to call Denver Animal Protection at 720-913-2080 or the police at 720-913-2000 (Not 911!).
There's a good chance that such animals can be rehabbed at a care center in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. If not, they might be put down.
