Amador Public Health reports that three rabid skunks in the Jackson vicinity have been identified in the past two months. According to health officials, this is a significant increase for the county. These 3 rabid skunks were in close proximity to one another, indicating to health officials that the general skunk population could be experiencing a rise in rabies.  In these situations it is crucial that domestic dogs and cats be up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Several dogs and livestock have been exposed to these rabid skunks. “With only 2 rabid skunks reported in the past 10 years, we have concerns there are many more rabid skunks that we don’t know about and there will be more potential opportunities for people and their animals to be exposed,” says Dr. Robert Hartmann, Amador County Health Officer. Prevention is the best weapon for protection against exposure to rabies. Protection would include: keeping your dog and/or cat’s rabies vaccinations up to date, avoiding exposure to wild animals for both yourself and your animals, and not feeding wild animals and keeping your dog and cat feeding bowls away from wild life access.