If you see these yellow packets while out walking your pet, don't panic.
Rabies vaccine baiting is underway in Ontario.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says each summer and fall their rabies staff distributes rabies vaccine baits.
The baits target raccoons, skunks, and foxes by air in rural areas and green spaces and by ground crews in urban areas.
The bait is a small package filled with a vaccine that when eaten is absorbed through the lining of the animal's mouth.
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) you are instructed not to open it, 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 such as a forested area.
Pet owners should keep in mind that the vaccine has been tested and is safe if consumed by domestic animals.
If your pet has eaten a bait and you are concerned, contact your vet.
To learn more and to view a map of the 2019 rabies baiting area, please visit ontario.ca/rabies.