BONNERS FERRY — Local officials are warning community members to be aware after a skunk recently tested positive for rabies in Bonners Ferry.

The caution follows the discovery of what turned out to be a rabid skunk in the community last month. Around Aug. 14, Bonners Ferry Police Officer Willie Cowell was driving down Kaniksu Street when he saw a skunk acting unusually.

“The skunk put its nose to the ground and started spinning in circles,” Cowell said.

Thinking that the skunk might be rabid, Cowell shot it. The carcass was collected and sent to Dr. Burt Veterinary Care.

After being on ice for the night, Dr. Chad Burt cut the head off the carcass and sent it to a lab in Kansas for results.

On Sept. 6, results came back and showed that the skunk was indeed rabid.

Cowell said residents, especially those near the Kaniksu area, should be aware of possible exposure to animals and people.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, the Center for Disease Control said. The virus infects the central nervous system.

Rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes in the United States. However, in many other countries, dogs still carry rabies, with most rabies deaths in people around the world are caused by dog bites, according to CDC officials.

“If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death," officials wrote. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start.”