Coyote found near Lazy JR RV park has rabies

On Jan.10, a coyote was confirmed to have rabies near the Lazy JR RV park in Tonto Basin.

The Gila County Animal Care and Control Officers are responding to this situation and have increased surveillance in that area.

The best way to protect yourself and pets is to keep your pets vaccinated against rabies. It is also important for people to take additional precautions, such as avoiding wildlife and other unknown animals that may have been previously exposed.

Please follow these simple precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to the rabies virus:

·     Avoid domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.

·     Instruct children to avoid approaching any non-domesticated animal regardless of its behavior.

·     Advise children to tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by an animal.

If you see a sick or dead animal, or an animal acting abnormally in this area, report it to Gila County Animal Care & Control at: 928-425-5882

Aimee Staten

Aimee Staten has worn several hats over the last few years, but she recently put on one of her more familiar caps after four years of working in nonprofits: That of a journalist. She has 14 years of experience in the news business as a reporter with eight of those years as the managing editor of the Eastern Arizona Courier.