Rabid Bat Found along a Recreational Trail in Loveland

The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is alerting residents that a rabid bat was recently found near the Equalizer Loop Trail in Loveland.

A passerby found the bat under a tree along the Loveland/Greeley Canal, west of the Rocky Mountain Avenue overpass. The passerby knew not to touch the bat and called the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment for guidance. The bat was safely collected and tested, and results received Friday confirmed the bat was positive for rabies. 

If you, your children, or your pets had direct contact with a bat in this area, please notify the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment by calling 970-498-6666. 

Transmission of rabies happens when the saliva of an infected animal enters the skin through a bite or scratch from the animal. Just having been on the trail or in the area recently is not considered an exposure. 

Bats are an important part of our ecosystem, but some can carry rabies. Rabies in humans is very rare in the United States, however, it is an extremely serious disease that is fatal in humans and other mammals once symptoms begin to develop. With prompt treatment after exposure and before symptoms appear, rabies can be prevented. 

The Health Department reminds residents never to feed or touch wild animals and to ensure pets are current with their rabies vaccinations. If you see a sick or injured wild animal, please call NOCO Humane Animal Protection & Control at 970-226-3647 ext. 7.

For the latest information on rabies in Larimer County, including a map of the exact location this rabid bat was found, visit www.larimer.gov/rabies.

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