Beware the Sunbathing, Sidewalk Strolling Rabid Bat, L.A.
As if sightings of mountain lions and bears plus swarming bees aren't alarming enough, Angelenos now have another wild creature to fear - rabid bats.
In July L.A. County officials reported twelve rabid bats discovered in the area. The total has now sharply increased to 22 confirmed cases, says L.A. Now. A typical annual number is nine, which is the current total of bats tested positive with rabies in the Santa Clarita Valley alone.
Bats, though often viewed as malicious, blood-sucking demons of the sky, usually concern their jaws with insects, keeping our flying friends at bay.
Healthy bats are usually skilled at avoiding humans, and the rabid bats discovered locally were found walking on the ground during daylight hours. Officials note that these are uncommon bat behaviors.
Rabies is fatal for humans and animals if bitten and left untreated.
