April 12, 2022 3:30 a.m.

Now that it is spring, residents are spending more and more time outside exploring the Umpqua Valley.

A release from the Douglas County Building Department – Environmental Health Division, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – Animal Control Division, said about 350-400 animal bites are reported every year in the county. Environmental Health Specialist Angela Scott and Animal Control Deputy Lee Bartholomew have tips for residents to help lower the risk of being bitten by an animal:

*Avoid contact or interactions with unknown animals

*Avoid contact with bats

*Do not touch or approach a wounded animal, leave that for a professional

*Do not feed, try to catch, or play with wild animals such as foxes, squirrels, birds, skunks, opossums, beavers, rats venomous snakes or racoons

*Do not disturb or try to touch an animal while its feeding or taking care of its young

*Avoid playing aggressively with any animal

*Do not stick fingers into an animal’s kennel or cage

Scott and Deputy Bartholomew said if bitten by an animal, residents should call their doctor or health provider and seek medical attention immediately. There are effective treatment options to prevent rabies and venom toxicity, as long as treatment is given soon after a bite or exposure.

For more information, Environmental Health at 440-4559 or Animal Control at 440-4328.