NEW YORK (WBNG) — The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is urging caution after reports of potentially rabid wildlife in upstate New York.
DEC Division Director of Fish and Wildlife Jackie Lendrum said the agency issued a warning for visitors recreating near Turtle Island on Lake George.
“As you saw, we have issued an advisory out of an abundance of caution to let folks know that are recreating in and around the Turtle Island area on Lake George that we suspect we have a beaver that might have rabies,” Lendrum said.
Rabies is a virus that can spread from infected animals to humans, often through bites or scratches. Officials say people can continue boating, fishing, and camping, but they’re asking visitors to be alert for unusual animal behavior.
Lendrum said beavers typically avoid people, and any change in that behavior should be taken seriously.
“Beaver behavior, normal beaver behavior, is to swim away from people. They’re afraid of us. They don’t want to interact with us. They’re not particularly curious about us,” Lendrum said.
The DEC says if a beaver swims toward you, that alone is enough to report it. Because there are many beavers in the area, officials say trapping one specific animal isn’t practical, so crews are increasing patrols and testing a dead beaver recovered nearby.
DEC Wildlife Health Program Leader Kevin Hines said animals showing symptoms typically decline quickly.
“Once an animal starts showing signs of rabies, then it’s probably going to be dead from rabies in seven to 10 days or so, potentially sooner, depending on the species,” Hines said.
While the advisory is focused on Lake George, Tioga County Public Health says the same precautions apply anywhere. Officials say rabies can be carried by animals such as bats, skunks, and raccoons, and other mammals can also become infected.
Health leaders advise avoiding contact with all wild animals, especially those acting strangely or allowing people to get close. If an animal appears injured or in distress, residents are urged to contact the DEC rather than trying to handle it themselves.
Pet owners are also reminded to keep rabies vaccinations up to date. Anyone who is bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to a potentially rabid animal should report it right away so officials can determine whether treatment is needed.
Wildlife experts say rabies is found statewide and awareness is the best protection, especially during warmer months.
“Cases pick up in the summer, but we see rabies all across the state… Any kind of sick-acting wildlife, you want to give them a clear berth, so you don’t potentially have contact with them,” Hines said.
The DEC says if you spot wildlife behaving abnormally, don’t approach it—report it to officials. Tioga County Public Health also encourages residents to report possible exposures immediately to ensure they get appropriate care.
Please visit DEC’s Wildlife Health webpage for more information.
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