Central Park is one of the best birding locations in the United States, with nearly 200 different species visiting the park throughout the year. Birders need to exercise caution, however; according to CNN Health, a rabies outbreak has been reported among Central Park raccoons. More than two dozen confirmed cases have been found since December 2009, compared to just three cases in the previous six years.

While birds do not contract rabies, the infected raccoons may be roaming in the same areas where birders hope to spot different species. Raccoons are nocturnal, and any raccoon active during the day and seeming unafraid of humans may be infected. The city is taking steps to curb the outbreak, including vaccinating wild raccoons and increasing surveillance of the raccoon population to spot potentially infected animals, but everyone visiting the park and nearby areas should be cautious.

Birders should always exercise caution in the field, including being aware of and respecting other wildlife.

Have you been birding in Central Park? Share your tips in the comments!

Raccoon
Photo © David Slater

Birders Beware of Rabies Outbreak originally appeared on About.com Birding / Wild Birds on Sunday, February 7th, 2010 at 08:33:21.

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