You’re being advised to keep a close eye out for the rabies vaccine baits.

Each summer and fall, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry distributes rabies vaccine baits targeting raccoons, skunks, and foxes by air in rural areas and green spaces and by ground crews in urban areas including Stratford.

The bait is a small package filled with a vaccine that when eaten is absorbed through the lining of the animal’s mouth and within a few weeks of eating the bait, the animal becomes vaccinated.

If you find a bait packet in an area where it shouldn’t be, such as your yard, they say you shouldn’t open it, you should place a plastic bag over your hand to keep your scent off the bait, and move it to an area where wildlife may find it.

Pet owners should keep in mind that the vaccine has been tested and is safe if consumed by domestic animals.