The Wareham Department of Natural Resources confirmed the town’s fourth case of rabies this year on Nov. 19 in a skunk found in the area of Spruce Road St. off Division Ave.

According to officials, the skunk was reported by a resident who saw the animal attacking a possum in their yard.

Both animals were collected by Natural Resource Officers and turned over to the Cape Cod Wild Life Resources Rabies Program. The program functions as a part of the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services.

Tests revealed that the skunk was rabid. The possum tested negative.

Wareham’s first confirmed case of rabies for 2018 was found in a bat near Crooked River Rd. in August. Two more cases, found in a bat and a woodchuck, followed in September. 

Officials asked residents to take precautions in a Facebook post Monday night.

“We urge everyone to make sure your pets are up to date with their rabies vaccine and tagged accordingly. If you are in doubt, check with your veterinarian,” officials said.

On Sept. 17 The Wareham Department of Natural Resources distributed rabies vaccine blocks in conjunction with the Cape Cod Rabies Task Force and U.S. Department of Agriculture in order to reduce the risk of infection in Wareham’s wildlife population. 

Residents who suspect a wild animal is “acting in a sickly or aggressive fashion” are encouraged to call the Wareham Department of Natural Resources at 508-291-3100 ext. 3180 or the Wareham Police Department at 508-295-1212.