There are monkeys biting people in SC. Here are the top animal bites listed in the state last year

Ten people reported they or an animal were bitten or scratched by monkeys in South Carolina in 2023.

That wasn’t the highest number by a long shot, but they were the only ones listed in the exotic animal category, according to a report from the Department of Public Health compiled for The State.

The numbers represent times a person or animal was possibly exposed to rabies through a bite, scratch or contact with saliva to broken skin or the eyes or mouth, and reported to DPH.

Health care providers, animal control staff or veterinarians, are required by law to report as are people who don’t seek medical care. The federal Centers for Disease Control also requires exposures to be reported.

The animal with the most bites reported in South Carolina last year might be near and dear to your heart — or your neighbor’s or a stray.

Dogs.

In all, 10,772 reports of dog bites were reported and 3,289 bites from cats.

A donkey and 27 horses bit someone, the report said.

In the wild animal category, bats were the largest culprit with 472 bites and raccoons next at 253. Rodents accounted for 175. That includes squirrels 71, rats 46, mice 20, and rabbits 10.

Also in the wild animal category are coyotes 14, and bobcats 2.

Coyotes are more likely to attack other animals, including people’s pets like Willie Nelson, a 5-year-old terrier mix, who was carried off last August by a coyote as he was being walked on the beach at Sullivan’s Island.

Coyotes, introduced in the Upstate in 1978 for hound running, are now found in all 46 South Carolina counties and are preying heavily on white-tailed deer, the Department of Natural Resources says.

The greatest population of bobcats are in the Lowcountry, especially Kiawah and Seabrook islands.

Public Health says the number of rabies-related human deaths has declined from more than 100 annually to one or two per year across the United States.

People may not seek care if they have been bitten by a bat because bats have small teeth, DPH said.

The primary carriers of rabies in South Carolina are raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats.

Public Health offers these suggestions:

• Don’t handle strays or wildlife with your bare hands. If you see an animal in need, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Do not approach the animal.

• Don’t leave pet food or garbage outdoors, unless kept in properly sealed containers.

• Don’t let pets roam freely. Keep pets safely confined to your property.

• Stay a safe distance away from all wild animals, even if they seem tame or friendly.

• Wash wounds with soap and water, and immediately contact a health care provider.

• Make sure your pets are current on their rabies vaccination.

This story was originally published July 11, 2024 at 6:00 AM.