RABIES AT MT ELDEN

This is for those few that venture up into Middle Elden Canyon and to the many that recreate all along the base of Elden. Mariah (my hound) found a dead fox this afternoon and after talking to Coconino Animal Control it sounds like it was likely rabid. The woman I spoke to said that they have had 10 rabid foxes at the base of Elden this year (if I understood her right), with one attacking people and dogs just yesterday. Her recommendation is to avoid the area until further notice. She also added that when foxes go rabid they become extremely aggressive, some of you may remember the incident at Phantom Ranch a few years ago where a "Law Enforcement" ranger emptied her firearm into a rabid fox and then had to reload! She also noted that rabid coyotes tend to become too friendly. So beware the friendly coyote and angry fox! Anyhow I'll update later when I know more.

It sounds to me like KJ should head to the gun range and get some shooting lessons...

Besides all the rabid foxes and mountain lion attacks,
I heard there are lots of rattlesnakes and scorpions out there, too.
Sounds scary, I think I best just stick to the climbing gym.

Albert

Dean Hoffman wrote: She also noted that rabid coyotes tend to become too friendly.

Well met with the animal control folks and the count is up to 12 with another one being found this morning.

Bob wrote:It sounds to me like KJ should head to the gun range and get some shooting lessons...

fuck that shit marc, I loves my gun and I aint gona give it up.

Robin like the bird!

You can keep it only if you can hit a fox/coyote from 5 yds out.

--Marc

Today from the Flagstaff paper (AZ Daily Sun):

The rabies infection that was circulating among bats and skunks in years past has now passed to foxes, with nine rabid foxes found around Flagstaff since November, according to health officials.

Two more foxes in Sedona tested positive for rabies in December and last month. There have been reports of one aggressive fox located near the Grave Site and Elden Springs, near Mount Elden in Flagstaff. Three individuals reported encounters, including attempted attacks on people and pets.

Two people hiking near Elden were able to kick the fox away, but two dogs were attacked and are under quarantine as a result.

Foxes are normally shy.

The Coconino County Health Department is advising hikers to kick such foxes if they must, or to carry a hiking stick to stun any fox that approaches, but to otherwise turn and walk (not run) away from any fox approaching.

Rabies is all kinds of crazy. It can make the animal really aggressive and ignore pain. A shot that just goes through it and doesn't straight up kill it won't stop it. A shot through the leg and it will keep coming at you.
Let see, it makes you mindlessly aggressive, is spread through saliva from a bite, and you ignore most pain... thats getting freakishly close to a real Zombie!
One of the nick names for the Zombie virus is African Rabies. Watch out! The Zombie Apocalypse is Coming!
Everyone better go out and get the Zombie Survival Hand Guide to prepare!

Dean Hoffman wrote:... She also added that when foxes go rabid they become extremely aggressive, some of you may remember the incident at Phantom Ranch a few years ago where a "Law Enforcement" ranger emptied her firearm into a rabid fox and then had to reload!

I gotta story

Well...let's hear it.

Mike Lane wrote:Well, that explains all those invites to their BBQ next weekend.

Recent footage of a Bobcat attack at a bar in Cottonwood, Arizona. Good thing ranger KJ wasn't there with her .45...

blogs.kvoa.com/video/?p=248

Found a dead skunk next to my back door. Sure enough...rabies. It's the real deal.