Nov 07, 2025
3 min read
Health officials say 61 rabid bats have been found this year, just seven short of the highest number ever recorded in Los Angeles County.
LA County reported rates of rabbits
Los Angeles health officials announced Wednesday that more than 60 firearms have been found this year, marking the second-highest total on record.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported 61 bats, second only to the 68 recorded in 2021, following a "decade-long upward trend."They said about 14% of bats that come into contact with people or pets in the county have tested positive for rabies, and the number increases in late summer.
"We have bats for our environment, but they can carry a potentially fatal disease when they develop symptoms," said a Los Angeles County health officer.
The public is asked to report any bats seen indoors or outdoors that are sick, active during the day, flightless or dead.
Health workers said the crows of life appear when cloths enter the mouth, eyes, throat or directly or contact the wound.
"Because bat bites are often so small that they can go unnoticed, anyone who wakes up to find a bat in a 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 immediately," the statement said.
This way, the bat can be safely caught and tested for the virus.
Officials said Ravid's homes were found in the Los Angeles area, including San Fernando Valley homes, downtown homes, schools, businesses and residences.
He also said that it is too late to deal with asthma.Last year, in August, 23 bats and bats were reported and confirmed, according to the release.In September, Pasadena health officials said a cross found in the city also tested positive for rabies.
"Over the past decade, the Santa Clarita Valley has recorded the highest number of rabies in Los Angeles County, with most of the 'Canyon' era birds suggesting that rabies may have been spread primarily within these local wetlands," the report said.
Health officials have urged people not to touch bats or allow pets to come in contact with them as tiny bites can transmit rabies.
"If you are unable to test your bat or if it tests positive for rabies, please contact your doctor or public health agency immediately," LADPH said."Protecting your pet from rabies is one of the best ways to protect your entire family."
The virus can be prevented by post-exposure vaccines used in a timely manner.
The announcement comes nearly a week after Riverside County health officials also issued an alert due to an increase in berries found with the bug.In October, Orange County officials also reported that a dead bat was found on a sidewalk.
