Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

PUEBLO COUNTY, COLO. -- Pueblo Health Department officials said three skunks have tested positive for rabies in the county.

Health officials said they found the skunks in yards during the day, and skunks normally aren't out in the daylight.

Officials found the skunks on the mesa at Garland Road, in the Salt Creek neighborhood near Paloma Place and Roselawn Road, and in the 2400 block of Winnipeg Street west of Lake Minnequa.

“Skunks were seen in home yards during daylight hours.  It is unusual for skunks to be out during the day. Fortunately, there was no human contact with the identified skunks.  Also, pets in the locations where the skunks were located were up-to-date on their rabies vaccines,” Dr. Christine Nevin-Woods, Public Health Director at the Pueblo City-County Health Department, said in a statement.

Skunks with rabies are a threat to pets and humans, but officials said neither came in contact with any of these skunks.

These are the first rabies cases in the county this year.

They said it is important to vaccinate your pets.

Officials also said if you see a skunk during daylight hours stumbling or acting overly aggressive, stay away from the animal and call Pueblo Animal Services at (719) 544-3005.

Other prevention tips from Pueblo Animal Services:

- Ensure that dogs, cats and ferrets are vaccinated properly against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.

- Discuss vaccinating horses and other livestock with your veterinarian. If you believe your animal has been exposed to rabies, or possibly bitten by a rabid animal, immediately contact your veterinarian.

- Do not feed wild animals or allow your pets around them. Teach children to stay away from wild mammals. Do not keep pet food outside as that may attract wild animals.

- Protect all pets, particularly animals too young to be vaccinated, from contact with wild animals. Puppies and kittens should be vaccinated for rabies as early as three months old.

- Contact your veterinarian if your dog or cat is bitten or scratched by wild animals, such as skunks, bats, foxes or raccoons.

- Take steps to bat proof your home.

- If you or a family member has been bitten by a wild animal or a domestic animal, contact your physician and Pueblo Animal Services at (710) 544-3005 immediately.