Any animal bite should be a high concern due to the many health issues that can result. However, one of the scariest issues you may face is rabies.
Rabies is a disease that will kill you without immediate and proper treatment, even then it is almost always fatal. If a known animal bites you, the risk is generally lower as the animal likely had its rabies shots, but if it is unclear, rabies is a serious concern.
Transmission
The Official Site of the State of New Jersey explains rabies transmission can happen even without a severe bite as saliva carries it. Any animal attack could be a risk, so you should always seek medical care.
Occurrences
Health and animal control agencies do track rabies cases. They send out information and alerts about animals found with the disease. You can check public information to find out how common it is in your area.
Animals
Not every animal will carry rabies. It is most common in skunks, bats, raccoons and foxes. All mammals are susceptible, including dogs, cats and humans. New Jersey sees the highest numbers in domestic animals in cats.
Opossums rarely get rabies because their bodies do not support the disease. Mice, rats and other small mammals also do not often get it.
If you have concerns about an animal that has attacked you, it is important to try to contain the animal. Officials will need to test it. You may also have to undergo treatment as a preventative measure and to try to save your life should you end up with rabies.