Drowning Bat Found in Raleigh Tests Positive for Rabies

A bat rescued from Shelley Lake in Raleigh this month has tested positive for rabies, according to the local police department.

It seems a person tried to bring the bat to a wildlife rehabilitator in Charlotte, but unfortunately, the bat did not survive the trip. This person then returned to Raleigh, where the bat was sent for a rabies test, which later came back positive.

This incident marks the second case of a bat testing positive for rabies in Raleigh this year, and the third reported rabies case overall in the area.

“I’ll definitely be more aware of little animals walking around,” said Veronica Jackson, a visitor to Shelley Lake. “It kind of pulls at your heartstrings. You don’t want any distressed or injured animals. I might have been able to help the bat a bit, maybe even get him to shore, but I don’t think I would have taken him in my car.”

According to Raleigh police, there was minimal contact between the bat and the two individuals who attempted to assist it. Both the individuals and local health officials have been informed.

This incident adds to the ongoing rabies concerns in North Carolina. Last month, four rabid goats were traced back to a traveling petting zoo that had visited Durham County multiple times recently.

Health departments in the affected counties reported over 100 potential rabies exposure incidents related to the goats, with fewer than 60 of these cases occurring in Durham County.

“The risk of transmission to humans is very low. Still, rabies is lethal if not treated after clinical symptoms appear, so it’s something to take very seriously,” remarked State Veterinarian Michael Martin in a previous interview. He also pointed out that bats are commonly known carriers of rabies.

General Tips from Wake County Health Officials to Reduce Rabies Risks:

• Do not approach unfamiliar animals.
• Ensure pets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations. If a pet goes outside, a booster is recommended. Keep outdoor pets indoors until they are vaccinated.
• Avoid feeding stray or unknown animals, including cats and dogs.
• Keep trash and food stored properly in bins with tight-fitting lids.
• If feeding pets outdoors, do not leave food out overnight.
• If a pet encounters a potentially rabid animal, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Following the recent rabies alert, visitors at Shelley Lake expressed their intention to stay more vigilant regarding local wildlife.

“This won’t stop me from coming,” visitor Tina Dahir said. “I know enough about bats that I always want to keep my distance from them.”