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Rabid bat counts have doubled this year and The Department of Public Health is urgently reminding residents to be sure that pet vaccinations are up to date to guard against rabies. County officials are not sure why there has been an increase in rabid bats, but have asked Angelenos to report all questionable bat sightings to local animal control. The most urgent warning: don't touch the bats! Several people attempting to rescue bats have been bitten and infected. Bats are protected by federal law so that's a double "don't touch" decree.