In a concerning incident for pet owners, a skunk was found dead in Bedford after attacking two dogs during a stroll near Silverwood Lane. This development has led to Bedford officials urging the community to get their pets vaccinated against rabies. Not typically active during the daytime, the nocturnal behavior of this skunk suggests a possible health issue, which has raised alarm bells among local authorities, as reported by NBC DFW.

Further north, a similar advisory was issued by officials in New Bedford, where a skunk tested positive for rabies. Residents near "Poor Farm," Brock Avenue, and Coral Street have been cautioned by police, who emphasized the importance of ensuring pets are up-to-date with their rabies vaccination. "Rabies can be found in several different animals in our community, so it is important to understand the signs of rabies in animals," New Bedford police stated. They warned about the dangers of approaching potentially rabid animals and to contact animal control immediately if one is spotted, as per TurnTo10.

Both incidents highlight an increased risk of rabies exposure within these communities. The lethal virus is transmitted through saliva, typically via a bite, and is almost always fatal without prompt treatment. Symptoms to watch for in animals include abnormal behavior, lethargy, seizures, and difficulty breathing, among other distressing signs.

As a response to the heightened threat, New Bedford's Animal Control will be holding its annual rabies clinic at Brooklawn and Hazelwood Parks on Nov. 7, offering an accessible opportunity for residents to protect their pets from this grave danger. Police emphasized that "Rabies is transmitted through saliva, usually through a bite, and is nearly always fatal for humans and animals, so it is important to get treatment right away." Bedford authorities, on the other hand, have also remained vigilant and are ready to update the community pending any new developments regarding the health status of the skunk involved in the dog attack, according to TurnTo10.