While animals such as fox, raccoons, and skunks are known rabies vector species, how much risk of rabies is posed by small rodents, such as squirrels, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, and chipmunks; and lagomorphs-species including rabbits and hares? Research shows that they are almost never found to be infected with rabies, and thus have not been known to cause rabies in humans in the United States.

The general rule of thumb is that bites from these animals are usually not considered a rabies risk unless the animal was sick or behaving in an unusual manner, and rabies is known to be widespread in your specific area.

There is one notable exception: from 1985 through 1994, woodchucks accounted for 86% of the 368 cases of rabies among rodents reported to CDC. Woodchucks, also known as groundhogs (Marmota monax) are the only rodents that may be frequently submitted to a state health department because of a suspicion of rabies. Therefore, it is not advisable to personally consult your local woodchuck on Groundhog Day, regarding the coming of spring!

Of course, in all cases involving rodent bites, no decision regarding rabies treatment should be made before consulting the state or local health department.