A dead squirrel found last month in Lake Tahoe, Calif., has tested positive for the plague, authorities said on Friday.
The squirrel’s body was discovered on Aug. 17 at a picnic area adjacent to the Tallac Historic Site and sent to a state laboratory for testing, El Dorado County health officials said in a statement. Warning signs have been posted in the affected area, advising individuals to report any dead or sick rodents.
Authorities said they are not aware of any human contact with the squirrel.
“Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County, so we need to be cautious around animals that can carry it,” said Karen Bender, a supervisor with the El Dorado County Environmental Management Division.
Two human cases of the plague have been reported in California so far in 2015, according to El Dorado County authorities. Both people were treated and recovered.
- Taylor Swift Is TIME's 2023 Person of the Year
- Meet the Nation Builders
- Why Cell Phone Reception Is Getting Worse
- Column: It's Time to Scrap the Abraham Accords
- Israeli Family Celebrates Release of Hostage Grandmother
- In a New Movie, Beyoncé Finds Freedom
- The Top 100 Photos of 2023
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
