POLK COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) -- Officials in Polk County advised residents to be mindful of wild animals after a person was attacked by a skunk on Tuesday.

Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Division said the attack occurred in the area of Houston Road, Kuykendall Drive and Roy West Drive in Columbus.

The Polk County Health and Human Services agency has been notified of the attack, deputies added.

“It is important to remember that wild animals typically avoid human contact. If you see a wild animal that seems unusually friendly, aggressive, or disoriented, it may be a sign of illness, including diseases like rabies," said Natalie Trachsel, the interim health director of Polk County Health and Human Services.

The skunk was located and tested positive for rabies on

See Full Page