Bat rescued from drowning at Shelley Lake tests positive for rabies

A drowning bat that was rescued from Shelley Lake in Raleigh this month tested positive for rabies, according to the Raleigh Police Department. Police say a person tried to take the bat to a wildlife rehabilitator in Charlotte, but the animal died on the way. The person then took the bat back to Raleigh, where it was sent for rabies evaluation and later tested positive. Other WRAL Top Stories The incident marks the second bat to test positive for rabies in Raleigh this year and the third positive rabies case overall. "I'll definitely be more aware of little animals walking around," Shelley Lake visitor Veronica Jackson said. "It kind of plays with your heartstrings. You don't want anything to be distressed or hurt. I might've maybe helped the bat a little bit, maybe gotten him on shore, but I wouldn't have taken him to the car." There was little to no contact between the bat and the two people who tried to help it, according to RPD. Both people and the local health department have been notified. The Shelley Lake incident is the latest rabies scare in North Carolina. Last month, four rabid goats were linked to a traveling petting zoo that visited Durham County at least twice in recent weeks. Health departments across impacted counties report a total of over 100 possible rabies exposures linked to the goats, including fewer than 60 reports in Durham County. "There's a very low risk of transmission to humans. It is something that is lethal to humans. When you have something that's lethal, and there's no treatment after clinical signs, it is something you want to take very seriously." State Veterinarian Michael Martin told WRAL in a previous interview. Martin noted that bats can be a common carrier species of rabies. Wake County health officials provide the following general tips to help minimize rabies risks: 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 vaccine is recommended. Outdoor pets should be kept inside until they receive booster vaccines. Do not feed stray or unknown animals, including cats and dogs. Do not leave trash or food outside unless it is in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid. If a pet is fed outside, do not leave food out overnight. If a pet comes in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact a veterinarian immediately. At Shelley Lake, visitors say they'll be more alert to wildlife after the recent rabies scare. "It's not going to stop me from coming," visitor Tina Dahir said. "I know enough about bats that I don't ever want to be in close proximity to a bat."