Los Angeles County Matches Record 69 Rabid Bats in 2026
Los Angeles County has confirmed 69 rabid bats this year, matching a previous record and prompting the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to issue an urgent public warning. Health officials report that detections have trended upward for over a decade, with a significant concentration of cases appearing in the Santa Clarita Valley.
August Spike and Regional Hotspots
The surge in detections peaked recently in August, when officials confirmed 24 rabid bats. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 32% of all bats submitted by residents for testing during August tested positive for the virus.
The distribution of these cases is not uniform across the county. The department found that 68% of this year’s rabid bats were located in the Santa Clarita Valley, a trend that has persisted for ten years. Most of these were identified as Canyon Bats, leading Public Health officials to conclude that rabies may be circulating more intensely within that specific local population.
Risk Factors and Exposure Warnings
While rabid bats have been detected in the San Fernando Valley and downtown Los Angeles—including in schools, parks, office buildings, and residential yards—the risk is highest indoors. Public Health officials state that about one-third of bat encounters occur inside buildings.
Exposure happens when the saliva or tissue of an infected animal enters the body through a scratch, a bite, or contact with the eyes, nose, or an open wound. County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis warned that bat bites are often so small they feel like a “pinprick” and can go unnoticed.
Dr. Davis stated, “Bats are an important part of our environment, but they can be infected with and spread rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.”
Prevention and Immediate Response Protocols
Public Health officials advise that anyone who wakes up with a bat in their room or finds one near a sleeping person, child, or pet must treat the situation as a possible exposure. Residents are urged not to release these bats so they can be collected and tested.
To reduce the risk of encounters, the department recommends “bat-proofing” homes by:
- Sealing all structural openings.
- Installing heavy-duty wire mesh over vents.
- Using chimney caps and window screens.
- Ensuring exterior doors close tightly.
For those already exposed, the department notes that rabies can be prevented through post-exposure prophylaxis, which consists of a series of timely vaccines. Pet owners are also urged to keep rabies vaccinations current.
Rabies Detection Statistics in LA County
| Metric | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Total Rabid Bats (Current Year) | 69 (Matches previous record) |
| August Positivity Rate | 32% |
| Concentration in Santa Clarita Valley | 68% |
| Average Historical Positivity Rate | ~17% |
| Peak Late-Summer Positivity Rate | Up to 33% |
Residents who find a bat that is active during the day, unable to fly, or appears sick are instructed to report the animal to local animal control immediately. Further information is available at ph.lacounty.gov/rabies.
Worth a look