COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Six rabid skunks have been found in El Paso County this summer, the first such discoveries since 1970.

The county Department of Health and Environment reported the three latest cases on Monday.

Statewide, 26 rabid skunks have been reported so far this year. Only 18 total were reported in Colorado last year.

Here are the following locations of where the rabid skunks were found:
1) from north central El Paso County along the boundary with Elbert County;
2) from the town of Peyton;
3) just east of the intersection of Highway 83 and county line road, along the southern edge of Douglas;
4) near Powers, just east of highway 83;
5) near Eastonville along Latigo Boulevard;
6) near Black Forest.

In addition to ensuring that pets and livestock are vaccinated properly against rabies, the Health Department recommends these prevention steps:

• Don't feed wild animals or allow your pets around them. Be sure to teach children to stay away from wild mammals.
• Contact your veterinarian if your dog or cat is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, such as skunks, bats, foxes or raccoons.
• If you suspect you've been exposed to rabies, contact your physician without delay.
• Discuss rabies vaccination of your livestock with your veterinarian. Vaccination should be considered for horses and other equines, breeding livestock, dairy cattle or other high-value livestock.
• If you observe a wild mammal acting strangely, especially a skunk, or if you find a dead skunk that isn't on your property, stay away from it. Strange behavior for a skunk would include being out and about during daytime hours.
• If you must remove a dead skunk on your property, wear rubber gloves or lift the carcass with a shovel or other tool, and double-bag it for the trash.

For more information, visit www.elpasocountyhealth.org.