Desert Ecology Trail

A saguaro cactus stands tall against the backdrop of the Rincon Mountains along the Desert Ecology Trail at Saguaro National Park east of Tucson.

Recent cases of rabies in Pima County have prompted the Arizona Game and Fish Department to warn outdoor enthusiasts to use caution and immediately seek medical attention if injured by wildlife.

Two rabid foxes were recently recovered from Saguaro National Park East and a third was recovered from Ventana Canyon Golf and Racquet Club, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

β€œAvoid contact with and don’t approach wildlife that is behaving abnormally or appears to be ill,” said Raul Vega, regional supervisor of Game and Fish in Tucson. β€œIf you believe that you see a rabid animal, call us at 1-623-236-7201 or the Pima County Health Department at 724-7797 immediately.

β€œIn addition, avoid touching any dead wildlife that you may find,” Vega said.

He said that pets such as dogs and cats, as well as livestock including horses, should be regularly vaccinated for rabies.


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Contact reporter Doug Kreutz at dkreutz@tucson.com or at 573-4192. On Twitter: @DouglasKreutz