Nine bats tested positive for rabies in Santa Cruz County through Sept. 25, compared with three during all of 2025, prompting county officials to urge residents to beware of rabies, avoid contact with bats and seek immediate medical care after a possible exposure.
County Public Health, Animal Services and Mosquito and Vector Control officials said rabies detections in local bats have increased over the past three years, though increased testing may account for some of the rise.
Rabies is relatively rare but is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. Prompt medical care after exposure can prevent the disease.
“Bat bites can be so small that people do not realize they have been bitten,” said Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez, Santa Cruz County public health officer. “If you think you may have been exposed, please do not wait. Seek medical care right away. Rabies is preventable, and early action saves lives.”
Exposure can occur when an infected animal’s saliva or tissue enters the body through a bite, scratch, open wound or contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.
Bat bites may feel like a pinprick and can go unnoticed by someone who is asleep. Anyone who wakes to find a bat in the room, or discovers one near a sleeping person, child or pet, should treat it as a possible exposure and contact the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter immediately, officials said.
Anyone bitten by a wild or domestic animal should wash the wound, seek urgent medical care and report the bite to the shelter at 831-454-7200. A medical provider can assess the risk and determine whether preventive vaccination is needed.
Officials also urged residents to keep pets vaccinated.
“It is important to keep pets up to date on rabies vaccination to protect both animals and people. Both dogs and cats should be vaccinated,” said Dr. Maris Brenn-White, a veterinarian with the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. “Vaccinated pets provide an important second level of defense against rabies for pet owners and other people.”
Residents should avoid touching bats, including those that appear dead, and keep children and pets away. Bats found on the ground, unable to fly or active during daylight may be sick.
Animal Control can be reached at 831-454-7200 for assistance with a downed bat or to remove a wild animal from a home. Residents who encounter other sick or injured wildlife can call Native Animal Rescue at 831-462-0726.
County Mosquito and Vector Control offers free home inspections to help identify ways to keep bats out, particularly at properties where bats have been found indoors. To request an inspection, call 831-454-2590.
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More information is available at go.cdph.ca.gov/rabies and scanimalshelter.org.