45. Vermont – Snowshoe Hare

While snowshoe hares in Vermont aren’t dangerous predators, they can contribute to ecological imbalances that indirectly affect human health. These hares are carriers of tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, a bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans through handling or eating infected animals. Symptoms include fever, ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are most at risk. Use gloves when field dressing wild game and cook meat thoroughly. Additionally, hares can spread disease-carrying ticks and fleas to new areas. Though charming in appearance, they serve as a reminder of the hidden dangers in seemingly harmless wildlife.
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