I grew up in Southern Calif and plague-avoidance tactics were standard briefings in the boy scouts and at every nature talk or guided hike given by the park service. The message in essence was "don't feed squirrels" because plague-infested critters are often fearless and will approach people in the same manner as a wild animal that has been fed by humans so much that it's lost it's fear of people, however the sick animal will approach in a very friendly manner and then bite you for no apparent reason. So don't feed the critters.
Of course, people still feed the animals and as a result, it's tough to tell if a wild animal approaching you is just looking for a handout or if it's plague infested and is going to either bite you or get close enough for fleas to transfer to you. That means idiots from the city or who don't believe the warnings get the plague. At that point it's fun to point and giggle and say "well duh!... ha-ha!" but they might pass it to others before they go to the hospital and that's not cool.
