Gila Forest Posts Signs Warning About Rabies Outbreak
Associated Press
SILVER CITY — The supervisor of the Gila National Forest says he wants visitors to enjoy the outdoors, but he also wants them to be aware of an outbreak of rabies among foxes in Grant and Catron counties.
Signs warning the public about the outbreak have been posted in the Gila at the Catwalk National Recreation Trail northeast of Glenwood, the Gila Cliff Dwellings area, along the Black Range via N.M. 152, the Little Walnut picnic grounds northwest of Silver City and at campgrounds and trailheads.
"Outbreaks such as this occur periodically in our wildlife populations,'' said forest Supervisor Richard Markley. "This outbreak will eventually subside, but until then we are taking steps to help ensure that visitors to the Gila National Forest can safely enjoy the outdoors.''
He said, however, visitors must take precautions to avoid potentially rabid animals by staying away from animals that seem sick, aggressive or friendly and by not feeding wildlife.
Forest officials also warned people to stay away if they see a fox in the daytime because foxes are normally nocturnal. People should stay calm and move away if they observe a fox or other animal acting abnormally, then report the animal to the state Department of Game and Fish.
In mid-March, a 19-year-old hiker received rabies treatment as a precaution after she was bitten by a fox March 18 on the Catwalk National Scenic Trail near Glenwood. The fox ran away and could not be found.
Four foxes and a dog had tested positive for rabies in Grant County as of that date, authorities said.
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