Colorado’s first rabid animal of 2026 is a skunk
Feb 18, 2026, 5:48 PM | Updated: Feb 19, 2026, 4:55 pm
The warmer temps are not only bad for wildfires, they are bad for the wildlife.
The Department of Wildlife said warmer, drier winter weather means people, pets and wildlife are spending more time outdoors, increasing the chances of contact.
A skunk found in the Oak Crest neighborhood in Arvada has tested positive for rabies, the department said. This is the first confirmed case of rabies in an animal in Colorado in 2026, according to Jefferson County Public Health.
“Keeping your pets vaccinated and staying away from wild animals are the best ways to stay safe year-round.” they said.
I still laugh when I remember my girlfriend sitting on her porch in Thornton without her glasses on thinking the animal that walked up to her was a neighbor cat…it wasn’t. It was a skunk. We still laugh.
Read more about what you can do to protect yourself and your pets from rabid animals.
