SAN ANTONIO -- Pet owners in the San Antonio suburb are being warned to keep a close eye on their animals and watch for strange behavior after animal control officials found a rabid skunk.

The rabies scare began Thursday when a resident called Animal Control officials to report a skunk that was acting strange.

"We went to observe and noticed it was paralyzed and biting on itself," Animal Control officer Kendall Webster said. "We gathered it up and took it in for testing for rabies, and we found out yesterday it came back positive."

Webster said this incident is the first confirmed rabies case in Leon Valley in almost three years, but they're concerned it may not be the only case related to the skunk.

A week before the rabid skunk was found, officers captured a baby skunk acting strange, and her department received a call early Tuesday of a woman who said she and her dog were stalked by a coyote that was severely underweight and very aggressive, Webster said.

Webster said pet owners should keep their animals inside for the time being and to watch them closely while outside, and avoid contact with wild animals and strays. She also reminded people to have their pets vaccinated as required by law.

"We do recommend everyone who's not current on rabies vaccine take their pets to the vet and have them current, if not all shots," Webster said. "At least rabies; it's not 100 percent proof, but it will protect against rabies."

Anybody who comes across a suspicious animal is asked to contact Leon Valley Animal Control at 210-684-1391, ext. 229. Last week, state officials issued a warning that human vaccines for rabies were in low supply.