Rabid
Bats - 2011 to 2015
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 over the five year period of 2011 to
2015. Notice that rabid bats have
been found in most parts of Los Angeles County.
Rabid bats are likely also to appear in unpopulated areas,
but such bats do not get reported or tested.
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 in nature 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.
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.
Bites from Bats
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. You should also talk to your doctor and/or veterinarian in these situations.
Key Resources
List of animal control agencies in Los Angeles County
Encountering bats in Los Angeles County
More links about rabies
Rabies in Los Angeles County - Overview
Rabid bats found in Los Angeles County in 2016
Los Angeles County - Rabies in Humans
Rabies Control Manual for Los Angeles County
Centers for Disease Control - Rabies information
