DuBrock noted that, each year, people ignore this advice by taking wildlife into their homes and then are urged to undergo treatment for possible exposure to various wildlife-borne diseases, such as rabies.

“In nearly all cases, people’s well-meaning and well-intentioned actions still require that the animal be put down in the interest of protecting public health,” he said. “Unfortunately, pop-culture has instilled in people a certain stereotype of what a rabid animal looks like. And, while some animals will act vicious and even foam at the mouth, many times an infected animal will be quiet and still, or simply appear uncoordinated or unafraid. Handling these animals still can result in exposure to rabies and require someone to undergo treatment as a precaution, especially if the animal can’t be captured for testing.”