The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) is reminding everyone to keep a safe distance from wild animals after three bats in the county recently tested positive for rabies.

Bats are an important part of our environment, but some can carry rabies, a deadly virus that affects the brain and nervous system. Transmission of rabies happens when the saliva of an infected animal enters the skin through a bite or scratch from the animal. Once symptoms appear, there is no cure. However, if someone gets medical treatment right after being exposed, rabies can be prevented.

In Larimer County, rabies is most commonly found in some bats, skunks, and raccoons, but other wild mammals can carry it too. That’s why health officials recommend avoiding all contact with wild animals, even if they seem friendly or don’t appear sick.

"Bats and other wild animals play a key role in our environment, but they can also carry serious diseases like rabies," said Larimer County Public Health Director Tom Gonzales. "Keeping a respectful distance and knowing when to call for help are essential to staying safe."

If You Find a Bat in Your Home:

• Confine the bat to one room by closing all doors and windows. This will help animal control safely catch the bat so it can be tested for rabies.
   
• Do not touch the bat, especially with your bare hands.
   
• Call NOCO Humane Animal Protection & Control at 970-226-3647, ext. 7 for help removing the bat safely.
   
• If someone may have been bitten or scratched, or was asleep in the same room as the bat, contact LCDHE at 970-498-6666 or get medical help right away. You may need medication to prevent rabies.

Tips to Keep Your Family and Pets Safe:

• Never feed or touch wild animals. If you see a sick or injured animal, call NOCO Humane at 970-226-3647, ext. 7 for guidance.
   
• Teach kids to stay away from wild animals and tell an adult if they see one or are bitten or scratched.
   
• Remove things that attract wildlife—don’t leave pet food outside, close pet doors at night, and keep trash cans and feed bins tightly sealed.
   
• Make sure your pets, horses, and livestock are up to date on rabies vaccines. This protects them from getting sick and helps avoid long quarantines if they’re exposed. 

To report contact with a bat, skunk, or other wild animal, call NOCO Humane Animal Protection & Control at 970-226-3647, ext. 7.

The Health Department works with NOCO Humane to test animals for rabies and help people understand whether they may be at risk. If you have questions about rabies or potential exposure, call LCDHE at 970-498-6666.

For more information, including a map of where rabid animals have been found in Larimer County, visit www.larimer.gov/rabies.

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