DENVER (KSVR) — Two bats in Denver neighborhoods tested positive for rabies earlier this month, marking the first two positive cases of 2025 in the city, according to Denver Animal Protection.
The first rabies-positive bat of the year in Denver was found on July 8 in the Sloan Lake neighborhood, according to a DAP press release. A family in Highlands reported the second rabies-positive bat on July 17.
DAP warned Denver residents to be cautious after the discovery because rabies, a viral disease that affects the nervous system, is almost always fatal if symptoms develop.
Rabies is found in animals’ saliva and is most commonly transmitted to people and pets through bites from rabid animals. For bats, small teeth may cause bites to go unnoticed.
“That’s why it is crucial for pet owners to keep their animals up to date on their rabies vaccinations,” DAP said.
DAP also recommended people to:
- Avoid all contact with bats and other wild animals.
- Do not sleep with open, unscreened windows or doors.
- If bats are seen inside a Denver house or other structure, close off the area and call DAP.
- Do not leave pet food outside where it will attract wild animals.
- Immediately wash all animal bites with soap and water, thoroughly flushing the wound, and then contact your doctor. If you come into contact with an animal positive for rabies, you may be started on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which can prevent the development of rabies.
- Report all animal bites or scratches to DAP.
DAP said bats are common in Colorado, and the agency regularly picks up bats from peoples’ homes throughout the summer.
Any bat, or skunk, raccoon, bat, coyote, or fox, that has come in contact with a pet or been handled by a person has to be euthanized and tested for rabies, so DAP said anyone who encounters one of these animals should not approach and keep a safe distance.
DAP said it tests any bats that have had confirmed or suspected contact with a person or pet, but if there is no contact, it will release the bats back into the wild.
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