Bat tests positive for rabies after Raleigh resident rescues it from drowning in Shelley Lake

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A bat found drowning in a north Raleigh lake on Thursday later tested positive for rabies, according to the city of Raleigh.

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Officials said it was the second Raleigh bat to test positive for rabies this year and the third positive rabies case overall for the year.

The bat was discovered Thursday when residents spotted it drowning in Shelley Lake, along West Millbrook Road, a city of Raleigh news release said.

Residents in the area managed to rescue the bat from Shelley Lake.

But the bat died while a resident was taking the animal to a “wildlife rehabilitator” in Charlotte, Raleigh officials said.

The “citizen” then brought the bat back to Raleigh, where it later tested positive for rabies, the news release said.

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“There was minimal to no contact between the bat and either citizen,” officials said in the release.

Both Raleigh residents and the local health department were notified about the rabies case.

Raleigh officials warned residents that unusual animal behavior or other concerns about animals should be reported immediately by calling 919-831-6311.

Wake County health authorities also provided the following tips to avoid rabies-infected animals:

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• Residents should not approach animals that they do not know
• Residents should ensure their pets have a current rabies vaccination
• If a pet is allowed outside, a booster rabies vaccine is recommended
• Outdoor pets should be kept inside until they receive rabies booster vaccines
• Do not feed stray or unknown animals, including cats and dogs
• Do not leave trash or food outside except in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid
• If a pet is fed outside, do not leave food out overnight