More bats have tested positive for rabies in Los Angeles and Riverside counties this year when compared to the previous year, according to public health officials.
Rabid bats are found regularly in Southern California. L.A. County officials announced Wednesday that 61 infected bats were reported between March and November of this year, about a third of which were found in Santa Clarita.
That's one of the highest totals ever recorded in L.A. County, according to the Department of Public Health, second only to 2021, when 68 rabid bats were confirmed. Last year, 50 rabid bats were reported in the county, and 42 in 2023, according to the department.
The Santa Clarita Valley recorded the most rabid bats in L.A. County over the past decade, largely among Canyon bats. That suggests "rabies may be circulating primarily within that local bat population," public health officials said in a statement.
In Riverside County, 22 rabid bats were reported this year, authorities told LAist. That’s up from 15 confirmed the previous year.
Barbara Cole, Riverside University Health System — Public Health’s director of disease control, said the increase isn’t cause for panic, but people should take precautions to protect themselves and their pets.
“Bats might be OK on costumes,” she said in October, just before Halloween. “But not OK in real life to interact with them.”
It's important to note that rabies is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms appear, according to Riverside County Public Health Officer Jennifer Chevinsky.
"While rabies is extremely rare in humans in California, exposure through bat bites is a serious concern," she said in a statement. "Bites from a bat can be painless and may not leave marks, so it’s important to seek immediate care if you awaken to a bat in your home.”
Where things stand in Orange County
In Orange County, the number of rabid bats so far matches the number reported last year.
Thirteen were reported as of October, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency, including one that was found on a sidewalk in the city of Orange about two weeks ago.
Most of the cases came from South Orange County, a spokesperson told LAist. Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita and San Juan Capistrano reported two each.
Most of the 13 cases reported last year also originated in South Orange County, according to officials.
In 2023, 10 bats tested positive for rabies.
How to report potentially rabid bats
L.A. County residents can report animal bites or bat exposures to Veterinary Public Health by calling (213) 288-7060 or emailing vet@ph.lacounty.gov. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The bat will need to be captured and tested for rabies if there is a chance it came into contact with anyone. People in L.A. County should call their local animal control for assistance, which you can find a list of here.
You can also download a flyer from L.A. County health officials in English here and in Spanish here.
Orange County residents can report bats in their homes or an animal bite to OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848. You can also find more information here, or download a flyer on what to do if you come into contact with a bat here.
Riverside County residents can call disease control at (951) 358-5107 for questions and local resources, or visit here. Cole also recommends contacting animal services and your doctor.
You can find more information about rabies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.
How to protect pets and people
Cole said there has also been an increase in the number of potential exposures and bat encounters with people in Riverside County, which prompted county officials’ calls for precautions.
“We really do see an increase in the numbers [of bats] in people's homes,” she said, adding that the animals can sneak inside through attic gaps and other openings. “There have been a couple of instances where a bat encountered a child on the school playground.”
Bats are the most common source of rabies in California, according to Riverside County officials, so you should never touch them with your bare hands. If you see a bat on the sidewalk or side of the road, for example, make sure to steer clear.
"Immediately report any bat found indoors, or outdoors if it appears sick, active during the day, unable to fly, or dead, to Animal Control," Muntu Davis, L.A. County Health Officer, said in a statement.
Cole also suggested sealing gaps around your home to keep bats from sneaking in. If you do end up coming into contact with a bat, officials recommend washing the area immediately and going to a doctor to see if you need a post-exposure vaccination.
Rabid bat detections in L.A. County typically peak in late summer, according to the Department of Public Health. For example, nearly two dozen rabid bats were confirmed in August 2024.
What to watch for in pets
If your pet gets rabies, it can take days or even months for symptoms to appear, according to Amy Raines, chief veterinarian for the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.
Symptoms of rabies in dogs and cats can include:
- Increased aggression, irritability or lethargy
- Mild fever
- Difficulty walking or lack of coordination
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth due to difficulty swallowing
- Paralysis in the throat or jaw, making it difficult to eat or drink
"Never feed or touch wild animals, and make sure pets are protected when outdoors,” Raines said in a statement.
The best prevention is getting your pets vaccinated against rabies, Raines said, which helps protect furry friends and the humans who love them.
Pets should be vaccinated for rabies when they’re a few months old and receive regular boosters throughout their life.
