Bats and Rabies
Bats are the species of animal that most commonly carry rabies in Los Angeles County. However it is important to know that most bats do not have rabies!  Most bats try to avoid contact with people and pets. Bats are good for the environment because they eat insects and pollinate plants. Bats are also protected by state law.

Each red star on this map marks the location where a sick bat was found by a resident, reported to an animal control agency, and later tested positive for rabies.  Notice that rabid bats have been found in most parts of Los Angeles County.  Rabid bats are likely also found in unpopulated areas, but since these bats do not get reported (or tested), they are not marked on the map.

Bats seen flying in daylight, or found on the ground, are more likely to have rabies. Never touch a bat or other wild animal. If you pick up a bat with your bare hands, you may be bitten and exposed to rabies.

Bats that bite a person or pet should be tested for rabies. The bite mark from a bat can be very small and hard to see. Bats that are found indoors near a sleeping person, young child, adult that cannot speak, or pet should also be tested for rabies.   In these cases, try to gently trap the bat without touching it (such as covering it with a bucket), and call your local animal control agency. To see a list of local animal control agencies, click here. You should also talk to your doctor and/or veterinarian in these situations.

Links about rabies
Centers for Disease Control - Rabies pages

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health web pages
              Local Rabies Overview
              Rabies Control  Manual
              Human rabies
 

Read about rabid bats found in 2014!  Click here.