The Columbia County Department of Health has issued a rabies warning following three recent incidents of contact between residents and raccoons that have tested positive for the virus. According to a statement released by the department May 15, warmer temperatures increase the likelihood of human and pet exposure to animals with a high risk of rabies, such as raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. Recent incidents in Columbia County included two of three raccoons that tested positive for rabies -- one exposure resulted in an unvaccinated indoor cat and her kittens being euthanized. Officials are asking that any potential rabies exposure to a wild or stray animal be reported to the health department immediately. And the public is strongly advised to not handle, capture or attempt to confine wild animals. Information is available at ColumbiaCountyNY [dot] com, or by calling 518 828 3358. Read the full press release at 985thecat [dot] iheart [dot] com.