Conference moira::parenting_v3

882.0. "ALERT! Warn children away from wild animals" by MYGUY::LANDINGHAM (Mrs. Kip) Wed May 08 1991 15:05

    In the same discussion of parents, children and animals... there is a very
    good warning in note 3498.0 of CANINE, which is cross-posted here with the
    permission of the author.
    
    Note 3498.0              RABIES FOUND IN CT. RACCOONS!!!        3 replies
    DELNI::JMCDONOUGH                              20 lines  8-MAY-1991 10:01
    
       ALERT!! ALERT!!! CAUTION!!! DANGER!!! CAUTION!!! ALERT!!! ALERT!!
    
    "TIME" MAGAZINE THIS WEEK REPORTED THAT THE EPIDEMIC OF RABIES THAT HAS
    BEEN PRESENT IN WILD ANIMAL POPULATIONS ON THE EASTERN SEABOARD HAS
    PROGRESSED NORTHWARD INTO NEW ENGLAND. TWO RACCOONS HAVE BEEN FOUND
    WITH THE DISEASE IN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT WITHIN THE PAST MONTH.
    WILDLIFE OFFICIALS HAVE NOTED THAT IT IS INEVITABLE THAT THE DISEASE
    WILL WORK ITS WAY FURTHER NORTHWARD INTO MASS, VT, NH, AND MAINE.
    
    BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WITH YOUR PETS IF THEY HAVE THE POTENTIAL OF
    CONTACT WITH THE WILD ANIMAL POPULATION. BE VERY CAREFUL OF ANY WILD
    ANIMAL THAT APPEARS "TOO FRIENDLY", OR AGRESSIVE AND NOT FEARFUL OF
    HUMANS. 12 CASES OF HUMANS CONTRACTING THIS DREAD DISEASE HAVE OCCURRED
    IN THE PAST YEAR ALSO..
                                                                          
    WILDLIFE PEOPLE DO NOT EXPECT A DECLINE IN THIS DISEASE...IN FACT THEY
    HAVE SAID THAT ONCE THE RACCOONS GET IT, IT IS HERE TO STAY...
                                                                         
    This epidemic is spreading north and the states are getting ready for
    it.  
    
    With summertime coming and people spending more and more time outdoors,
    it is wise to be very aware of your children's activities around any
    wild animal.  Teach your children to totally avoid any wild animal in
    any case.