Rabid
Bats - 2013 to 2022
Each red star on this map marks the
location where a rabies-infected bat was found by a resident,
reported to an animal control agency, and later tested
positive for rabies over the ten year period of 2013 to
2022. Notice that rabid bats have
been found in most parts of Los Angeles County.
Rabid bats are likely also to exist in unpopulated areas,
but such bats do not get reported or tested.
Bats and Rabies
Bats are the reservoir species for rabies in Los Angeles County. However it is
important to know that
most bats in nature do not have
rabies, approximately 1%. Healthy bats generally 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.
However, 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.
In LA County, approximately 15% of bats that are
encountered near people and pets end up testing positive
for rabies.
Bites from Bats
Bats have bitten bite a person or pet should be tested
for rabies. Note that just because you cannot find a bite mark, does
not mean that you were not bitten by a bat. The bite mark from a bat can be very small, hard to see,
and can heal over quickly. If it is known that a bite
occurred, or might have occurred, try to gently trap the
bat without touching it (such as covering it with a
bucket), and call your local animal control agency. You
should also talk to your doctor and/or veterinarian.
Bats Found Indoors in a Home
In this scenario, it is vital to know whether
the bat was seen entering the home, and how long the bat
has been in the house. If the bat had potential
access to a sleeping or unconscious person, small
children or pets at any time, it is possible an
unrecognized bite may have occurred, and the bat needs
to be tested for rabies. Do not release the bat
outdoors. Gently trap the bat without touching it (such
as covering it with a bucket), and call your local
animal control agency to arrange testing for rabies.
Read more about what to to when
you find a bat in the house here.
For questions about bats and rabies, call
Veterinary Public Health at 213-288-7060 Monday-Friday
8am-5pm or email
vet@ph.lacounty.gov.
Key Resources
More links about rabies
Rabies in Los Angeles County - Overview
Rabid bats found in Los Angeles County in 2022
Los Angeles County - Rabies in Humans
Rabies Control Manual for Los Angeles County
Centers for Disease Control - Rabies information
