POLK COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) -- Officials in Polk County advised residents to be mindful of wild animals after a person was attacked by a skunk on Tuesday.
Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Division said the attack occurred in the area of Houston Road, Kuykendall Drive and Roy West Drive in Columbus.
The Polk County Health and Human Services agency has been notified of the attack, deputies added.
"It is important to remember that wild animals typically avoid human contact. If you see a wild animal that seems unusually friendly, aggressive, or disoriented, it may be a sign of illness, including diseases like rabies," said Natalie Trachsel, the interim health director of Polk County Health and Human Services.
The skunk was located and tested positive for rabies on Thursday.
"We urge the public not to try to capture suspicious animals, but instead to call Polk County Animal Control," Trachsel continued. "There is always a concern that animals such as skunks may carry rabies, which can lead to severe health outcomes for both humans and animals."
Animal control officers said that rabies is preventable through routine vaccination.
"Although we were able to capture the skunk, we encourage the public in the vicinity of the attack to be mindful of their pets, and we remind anyone observing a wild animal or pet displaying symptoms of rabies that they should call Polk County Animal Control," said animal control officer Patti Lovelace.
Interested in getting you or your pet vaccinated? The next vaccine clinic is scheduled for Saturday, August 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mill Spring Fire Department.