Animal Bites in NWT Communities
The Department of Health and Social Services tracks all animal bites reported in the NWT. Every bite is investigated by an Environmental Health Officer. Not all investigations result in rabies testing, but they ensure appropriate follow-up for public safety.
Most bites involve dogs, but some incidents involve wildlife or other animals, such as bats, foxes, and cats.
Note: These data only represent the bites that were reported to Environmental Health.
Key Facts About the Data
- Updates occur quarterly (January-March, April-June, July-September, October-December).
- Rates per 1,000 people are calculated using 2023 population estimates.
- NWT Remote refers to all animal bites that occurred in an area not geographically close to any community.
- N’Dilo bites are reported separately but shown here as Yellowknife counts.
Animal Types Involved:
- Dogs: Most bites involve free-roaming or domestic dogs.
- Other Animals: Rare incidents include bats, cats, foxes, muskrats, wolves, and unknowns.