Two bats found in Salt Lake County test positive for rabies
Sep 1, 2023, 5:10 PM
A Mexican (or Brazilian) Free-tailed Bat. Two bats with rabies were identified in Salt Lake County this week. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
(Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
SALT LAKE CITY — Two bats found recently in Salt Lake County have tested positive for rabies. The Salt Lake County Health Department confirmed this news on Friday.
One of the bats with rabies was discovered in Salt Lake County on Aug. 26, near 1000 West and 6970 South in Midvale.
The Health Department says two people encountered the rabid bat in Midvale. They both sought rabies prevention medication based on their exposure risk.
Officials found the second bat with rabies on Tuesday at Salt Lake County’s Draper City Skate Park.
If you touched or were touched by a bat at the park, the Health Department recommends calling 385-468-4222 (option 4) to be evaluated for rabies prevention. If you encounter a bat, do not attempt to make contact with it, catch it, or destroy it.
Utah law protects all bat species and it is illegal to intentionally harm a bat because they are an essential component of our ecosystem. They provide pest control, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds.
Officials removed the rabid bat from the Draper park, which is located at 13390 South and 300 East and remains open to the public.
Do not interact with wildlife in any public area. If you observe an animal that appears hurt or sick or any animal that could pose a danger to public safety, please call dispatch at 801-840-4000.
Related:
