Rabies in the United States
Every year, more than 60,000 people come in contact with potentially rabid animals in the United States and receive rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).1,2 Wild animals were the carriers of rabies in 92% of cases reported in 2013.1
Rabies is found across the country. Find out what you and your patients need to know about rabies in your area. Click on your state on the interactive map to learn what animals are rabies carriers where you live.
Select a state to learn about rabies in that area

East Coast
On the east coast the most common carriers of rabies are raccoons, skunks, and bats. Foxes also account for some cases of rabies on the east coast, as well as cats, and in some cases, dogs.1
Warn your patients that they should never touch or feed wild animals and to avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs and cats to avoid risk of rabies infection. If you or your patients see an animal acting unusually vicious and aggressive, or if the animal is acting strangely or is having trouble walking, immediately report the animal to local animal control.2,3

Raccoons

Skunks

Bats
Central United States and West Coast
For most of the United States, the most common carriers of rabies are skunks. Bats also account for cases of rabies in the middle states of the country as well as some cats and dogs.1
Warn your patients that they should never touch or feed wild animals and to avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs and cats to avoid risk of rabies infection. If you or your patients see an animal acting unusually vicious and aggressive, or if the animal is acting strangely or is having trouble walking, immediately report the animal to local animal control.2,3

Skunks

Bats
Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas
Skunks are one of the main carriers of rabies in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. However, foxes are also of concern in areas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. As is the case across the United States, bats and some cats and dogs can also carry rabies in this region and caution should be exercised if you come in contact with any of these animals.1
Warn your patients that they should never touch or feed wild animals and to avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs and cats to avoid risk of rabies infection. If you or your patients see an animal acting unusually vicious and aggressive, or if the animal is acting strangely or is having trouble walking, immediately report the animal to local animal control.2,3

Skunks

Foxes

Bats
Alaska
In Alaska, Artic foxes present the greatest rabies risk.1
Warn your patients that they should never touch or feed wild animals and to avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs and cats to avoid risk of rabies infection. If you or your patients see an animal acting unusually vicious and aggressive, or if the animal is acting strangely or is having trouble walking, immediately report the animal to local animal control.2,3

Arctic Foxes
Puerto Rico
The mongoose is the most common carrier of rabies in Puerto Rico. Dogs can also pose a threat.1
Warn your patients that they should never touch or feed wild animals and to avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs and cats to avoid risk of rabies infection. If you or your patients see an animal acting unusually vicious and aggressive, or if the animal is acting strangely or is having trouble walking, immediately report the animal to local animal control.2,3

Mongooses
Select a state to learn about rabies in that area
East Coast

On the east coast the most common carriers of rabies are raccoons, skunks, and bats. Foxes also account for some cases of rabies on the east coast, as well as cats, and in some cases, dogs.1
Warn your patients that they should never touch or feed wild animals and to avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs and cats to avoid risk of rabies infection. If you or your patients see an animal acting unusually vicious and aggressive, or if the animal is acting strangely or is having trouble walking, immediately report the animal to local animal control.2,3

Raccoons

Skunks

Bats
Central United States and West Coast

For most of the United States, the most common carriers of rabies are skunks. Bats also account for cases of rabies in the middle states of the country as well as some cats and dogs.1
Warn your patients that they should never touch or feed wild animals and to avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs and cats to avoid risk of rabies infection. If you or your patients see an animal acting unusually vicious and aggressive, or if the animal is acting strangely or is having trouble walking, immediately report the animal to local animal control.2,3

Skunks

Bats
Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas

Skunks are one of the main carriers of rabies in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. However foxes are also of concern in areas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. As is the case across the U.S., bats and some cats and dogs can also carry rabies in this region and caution should be exercised if you come in contact with any of these animals.1
Warn your patients that they should never touch or feed wild animals and to avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs and cats to avoid risk of rabies infection. If you or your patients see an animal acting unusually vicious and aggressive, or if the animal is acting strangely or is having trouble walking, immediately report the animal to local animal control.2,3

Skunks

Foxes

Bats
Alaska

In Alaska, Artic foxes present the greatest rabies risk.1
Warn your patients that they should never touch or feed wild animals and to avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs and cats to avoid risk of rabies infection. If you or your patients see an animal acting unusually vicious and aggressive, or if the animal is acting strangely or is having trouble walking, immediately report the animal to local animal control.2,3

Arctic Foxes
Puerto Rico

The mongoose is the most common carrier of rabies in Puerto Rico. Dogs can also pose a threat.1
Warn your patients that they should never touch or feed wild animals and to avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs and cats to avoid risk of rabies infection. If you or your patients see an animal acting unusually vicious and aggressive, or if the animal is acting strangely or is having trouble walking, immediately report the animal to local animal control.2,3

Mongooses