Given the probabilities, I am not too concerned about rabid animals, but it is a condition about which one should be aware. Years ago I encountered a skunk standing his ground on a mountain trail in Arizona - completely unique behavior in my experience. I didn't contest the trail right of way with him, but gave Mr. Skunk a wide berth - I thought at the time that there was a possibility that the animal was rabid.

There are lots of good reasons for keeping your distance from critters - another two are hanta virus and bubonic plague - both endemic in western US populations