The Chatham County Sheriff’s Animal Resource Center alerted the community to the latest positive rabies case reported in the county.

A release from the sheriff’s office said animal resource officers received a tip of a skunk “displaying unusual behavior” near the intersection of Silk Hope Liberty Road and Albert Hargrove Road on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Officers captured the animal and submitted it to the State Laboratory of Public Health for testing, which confirmed the skunk was infected with rabies.

The case marks the fifth reported so far in this calendar year, coming just a few weeks after the fourth case was reported when a fox bit a resident near U.S. 64.

There was no human exposure from this instance, according to the release, but Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson said residents should use the news as a reminded to keep household pets up to date on rabies vaccinations.

“Rabies is a serious disease, but it is preventable,” Roberson said. “Even when there is no human exposure, these incidents highlight why it’s important to ensure pets are vaccinated and to avoid contact with wildlife exhibiting unusual behavior.”

County officials encourage anyone who come into contact with a wild animal — especially one acting strangely or exhibiting unusually aggressive behavior — to promptly contact Chatham County Animal Resources at 919-542-7203 or the Chatham County Public Health Department at 919-742-5641 after the incidents.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Steve Maynor Sworn In as New Chatham County Sheriff; Will Run for Full Term in November
Steve Maynor was officially sworn in as the new Chatham County Sheriff during a ceremony in Pittsboro Thursday, replacing Mike Roberson.
Pittsboro Man Arrested For Domestic Violence Against Wife and Son, Killing Dog
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Pittsboro man after a domestic violence incident led to an armed standoff with police.
The Morning News: 'Hello, Dolly!' at PlayMakers, Animal Cruelty Charges in Siler City
In today's news: PlayMakers Repertory Company's Summer Youth Conservatory celebrates its 20th year with the musical "Hello, Dolly!"
More Than 20 Animals Up For Adoption Following Chatham County Animal Cruelty Investigation
Twenty-two chickens, two turkeys, a rabbit and a dog are available for adoption after they were seized during an animal cruelty investigation.
Cocker Spaniel 'Mr. Pickles' Reunites With Vets, Officers Who Saved Him From Neglect
Mr. Pickles reunited with the people responsible for saving him from a severe case of neglect which led to dangerous matting.
Chatham County Sheriff's Office: First Drowning of 2026 Reported at Jordan Lake, Victim Lacking Life Jacket
A Chapel Hill resident drowned in Jordan Lake on Monday while trying to retrieve a drifting boat, according to Chatham County authorities.
Nonprofit, Sheriff's Office Highlight Recovery of Neglected Dog Found in Chatham County Home
A neglected dog discovered in Chatham County is on the path to recovery after he was rescued by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office in early May.
Chatham County Sheriff: Pittsboro Man Facing Multiple Counts of Felony Identity Theft, Fraud
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has obtained warrants charging a Pittsboro man with multiple counts of identity theft and fraud. Aaron Luis Perez, 34, of 534 Deer Run is charged with 21 counts of felony financial card fraud, 20 counts of felony identity theft and two counts of misdemeanor possession of stolen goods. The sheriff’s […]
Chatham County Sheriff's Office Identifies Body Discovered in Jordan Lake
Chatham County first responders dispatched to Jordan Lake on Friday night after reports of a body found in the water.
Chapel Hill Attempted Murder Investigation Leads to Arrest in Chatham County
Two weeks after a shooting injured one person outside a Chapel Hill apartment complex, local authorities say the suspect has been detained and charged. A release from the Chapel Hill Police Department confirmed the arrest of 22-year-old Jose Luis Enamorado Flores of Chatham County, saying he faces 21 different charges stemming from the Apr. 4 […]
›