Wake County officials on Thursday were urging residents and visitors to be careful around wildlife after a beaver recently attacked two people at Falls Lake.

The animal was shot but could not be captured for rabies testing because it sank in the lake, officials said. Those who were near it are undergoing treatments to reduce their chances of contracting the virus.

“We want to take every precaution to prevent these individuals from contracting rabies,” Wake County Community Health Director Sue Lynn Ledford said in a statement. “Anyone visiting Falls Lake and the surrounding areas should be cautious, as rabies is frequently spread from one animal to another, and there may be more infected animals in the area.”

Anyone who sees an animal behaving oddly should call Wake County Animal Control at 919-212-7387. In Cary, call 919-319-4517 ; in Garner, call 919-772-8896; in Holly Springs, call 919-557-9111; in Raleigh, call 919-831-6311.

Officials offered the following tips:

• Do not approach animals you do not know.
• Ensure your pets have a current rabies vaccination. Outdoor pets should be kept inside until they receive booster vaccines.
• Do not feed stray or unknown animals.
• Do not leave trash or food outside, unless in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.
• Do not leave pet food out overnight.
• Do not leave pets outdoors unattended.
• If a pet comes in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Information about rabies and upcoming Wake County vaccination clinics can be found on the Wake County Animal Center website.