How to Treat Animal Bites in the Wilderness

Rabies is carried by a number of animals in the wilderness, including skunks, raccoons, foxes and bats. Assume that any animal that has bitten a person is rabid.

Things You'll Need

  • Antibacterial Soaps
  • Evacuation Plan
  • Wilderness First Aid Classes
  • Water Filters
  • Irrigation Syringe
  • Evacuation Insurance
  • Nail Brushes
  • Nalgene Bottle
  • Compression Bandages
  • Povidone-iodine
  • Gauze Pads
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Instructions

    • 1

      Move away from the animal and ensure the safety of the scene to prevent additional bites.

    • 2

      Put on latex gloves as protection from infectious disease.

    • 3

      Clean the wound thoroughly and aggressively with an antiseptic soap or povidone-iodine solution (See "How to Clean a Wound").

    • 4

      Keep the wound open - do not attempt to close it with closure strips or butterfly bandages.

    • 5

      Dress and bandage the wound (See "How to Bandage a Wound").

    • 6

      Keep the patient well-hydrated.

    • 7

      Monitor carefully for infection (See "How to Evaluate a Wound for Infection").

    • 8

      Evacuate immediately to a hospital, regardless of whether you believe the animal was rabid.