Introduction to the Issue
Just days after a pest control company branded Los Angeles the nation’s “rattiest” major city, health officials delivered another blow this morning, announcing 61 rabid bats had been found so far in 2025, the second-highest total ever recorded in the county.
The total is the most since 2021, when 68 rabid bats were confirmed, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Health, which said the numbers are in keeping with a “decade-long upward trend.”
About 14% of bats who come into contact with people or pets in the county test positive for rabies, and the numbers spike in late summer, officials said.
Understanding the Risks
“Bats are vital to our environment, but they can also carry rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said. “Anyone who may have had contact with a bat should immediately speak with their medical provider or contact public health. Never touch a bat or any wild animals. Immediately report any bat found indoors, or outdoors if it appears sick, active during the day, unable to fly or dead.”
Awareness and prevention are the best defenses against rabies, officials said.
Exposure happens when saliva or tissue from the bat enters the body through the mouth, nose or eyes or through a bite, scratch or contact with a wound, according to the health department.
Preventing Exposure
“Because bat bites are often so small they can go unnoticed, anyone who wakes up to find a bat in the room, or finds a bat near a sleeping person, child or pet should treat it as a possible exposure and contact animal control or public health right away,” officials warned, adding that if possible, safely collect the bat so the animal can be tested.
Locations where rabid bats have been found stretch throughout Los Angeles County, including suburban areas in the San Fernando Valley, the buildings of downtown LA as well as the county’s numerous parks, schools, businesses and residential backyards.
Late summer is usually the peak period for rabid bat detections. In August last year, 23 rabid bats were confirmed.
Regional Trends
“Over the past decade, the Santa Clarita Valley has recorded the most rabid bats in Los Angeles County, with the majority found among the Canyon Bat species, suggesting rabies may be circulating primarily within that local bat population,” officials said.
People should never touch a bat nor allow pets to come into contact with them as even small bites can transmit rabies. If a bat is found inside a home, residents are advised to try and cover the animal with a box or container and call animal control for collection and testing, then seek medical advice.
Protecting Pets and Family
“Protecting your pets from rabies is one of the best ways to protect your whole family,” officials said, adding that bats that are active during the day, on the ground or unable to fly may be sick. In such cases animal control should be called immediately.
Last week, Orkin announced that Los Angeles had placed first on its annual list of America’s “rattiest” cities, an unscientific conclusion based on tracking new rodent services in owner-occupied residences from Aug. 20, 2024, to Aug. 21, 2025.
Conclusion
The presence of rabid bats in Los Angeles County poses a significant health risk to both humans and pets. It is crucial for residents to be aware of the signs of rabies in bats and to take preventive measures to avoid exposure. By understanding the risks and taking the necessary precautions, individuals can protect themselves and their families from this deadly disease.
FAQs
- Q: What should I do if I find a bat in my home?
A: If you find a bat in your home, try to cover it with a box or container and call animal control for collection and testing. Then, seek medical advice. - Q: How can I protect my pets from rabies?
A: Protecting your pets from rabies is one of the best ways to protect your whole family. Ensure your pets are vaccinated and avoid letting them come into contact with bats or other wild animals. - Q: What are the symptoms of rabies in bats?
A: Bats that are active during the day, on the ground, or unable to fly may be sick. If you notice any of these symptoms, call animal control immediately. - Q: Can rabies be prevented?
A: Yes, rabies is preventable with post-exposure vaccines administered in a timely fashion. If you have been exposed to a bat, consult a physician or public health right away.
