Public Health Advisory: Potential Rabies Exposure Linked to Candler Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility

Buncombe County -- July 18, 2026: Buncombe County has issued an important public health notification regarding potential rabies exposure involving a wildlife rehabilitation facility in the Candler area. Anyone who visited Michelle Cole or Alleyoop Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation within the past six months and had direct contact with wildlife at the location is urged to review the information below and contact their local health department for a rabies risk assessment if appropriate.For the co