# Wildlife safety warnings in North America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wildlife-safety-warnings-in-north-america
> Updated: 2026-09-24T14:30:00.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 3.

Public health and safety officials in British Columbia and the United States have issued various warnings following wildlife activity. In British Columbia, Interior Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control confirmed a rabies infection in a skunk in the Kootenay Lake region, advising those who had contact with skunks to seek medical assessment.

Interior Health medical health officer Dr. Andy Delli Pizzi stated that testing was arranged after reports emerged regarding a sick animal interacting with people. The skunk is believed to have been infectious between August 15 and September 4, 2026. Authorities are urging anyone bitten or scratched by a skunk in the region since August 15 to contact a healthcare provider immediately, and pet owners to consult a veterinarian if their animals had contact with the skunk.

Simultaneously, the Village of Keremeos, Penticton, and the West Bench area issued bear warnings to prevent attracting animals preparing for hibernation.

In Parksville, Canada, authorities issued warnings following reports of cougar sightings near Heath Avenue and bear sightings in the industrial park, noting a previous incident where a cougar killed livestock. WildSafeBC recommends backing away slowly from bears and making oneself appear large when encountering a cougar.

In Yakima, Washington, police and state fish and wildlife officials used drones to search for a cougar reported in West Valley neighborhoods near Gilbert Park after the animal evaded capture. Residents are urged to use caution when letting pets outside.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Interior Health confirms rabies in Kootenay Lake region skunk

Interior Health confirmed a skunk in the Kootenay Lake region tested positive for rabies. Residents bitten or scratched by skunks after August 15 are urged to seek immediate medical attention.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/interior-health-confirms-rabies-in-kootenay-lake-region-skunk

### 2026-09-23: Wildlife sightings prompt safety warnings in Parksville and Yakima

Authorities in Parksville, Canada, and Yakima, US, have issued safety warnings following recent sightings of cougars and bears in residential and industrial areas.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wildlife-sightings-prompt-safety-warnings-in-parksville-and-yakima

### 2026-09-21: British Columbia health officials issue rabies and bear warnings

Health officials have issued a rabies warning in B.C.'s Kootenay Lake region after a skunk tested positive, while Keremeos residents are warned of increased bear activity.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kootenay-lake-skunk-tests-positive-for-rabies

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Cite as: Wildlife safety warnings in North America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wildlife-safety-warnings-in-north-america