A rabid skunk may have bitten a two-year-old girl at a daycare in Granby, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.
The young girl’s mother posted on social media that she was at daycare when she was bitten.
She was taken to the hospital and received antibiotics and vaccines, and is doing well.
The animal was captured.
Spotted and captured
The local health and social services agency confirmed that a rabid skunk was spotted and captured by Quebec Environment Ministry (MAPAQ) crews.
“Test results confirm that it was infected with raccoon rabies,” Santé-Québec Estrie - CHUS said.
More than 300 reports
Dr. Geneviève Petit, a specialist with Sante-Quebec Estrie, said more than 300 people have reported contact with animals suspected of being infected with raccoon rabies in the region.
The Quebec government reported 63 cases of raccoon rabies in the Eastern Townships in 2026 in 58 raccoons, one cow, one red fox and three skunks, including the one that may have bitten the girl.
In the Montérégie, there have been 260 repoted cases in various animals, and Quebec’s Environment Ministry has reported 361 across the province since Jan. 1.
What to do
Health officials advise anyone who has touched an animal they suspect may have rabies to call Info-Sante at 811 immediately.
If a pet comes into contact with one, head directly to a veterinarian.
These preventative measures are advised:
- Have your pets vaccinated against rabies;
- Report raccoons, skunks, or foxes exhibiting abnormal behaviour at 1-877-346-6763 or quebec.ca/rageduratonlaveur;
- Avoid all contact with wild animals, alive or dead.
If you’re bitten or have contact with an animal’s saliva that you believe it may have rabies, do the following:
- Wash the wound for 10 to 15 minutes with soap and water, even if it seems minor;
- Contact Info-Santé 811.
