Public Safety Reminder: Never Touch Bats

Public safety reminders from the Burbank Animal Shelter:

• NEVER TOUCH A BAT WITH BARE HANDS: Bats are naturally wary of people and shy animals. Bat bites can transmit rabies to people and can be deadly. A bat that lets you touch it may be sick. If you see a bat, do not touch it. Wash bites immediately and talk to your doctor. Contact your local health department for a rabies risk consultation. 
• KEEP BATS OUT OF YOUR HOME: Bat proof your home. Secure all potential openings. If you find a bat in your home, exit, close off the room and call the health department or animal control. Do not release the bat. If safe to do so, place a bucket or box over the bat to contain it. Never touch a bat with bare hands.
• KEEP PETS SAFE FROM RABIES: Make sure pets are up to date with a rabies vaccine. If you find a sick or dead bat, keep pets away to minimize the possibility of rabies exposure.
• BATS ARE  PROTECTED WILDLIFE: It is illegal for members of the public to kill, harm, or keep a bat. Bats are an important part of the ecosystem. 

Contact your local animal control agency or your local Health Department for assistance if you come across a deceased bat. Find more information at www.burbankanimalshelter.org

Burbank Animal Shelter
Animal Control: (818) 238-3340
1150 N Victory Place
Burbank, CA 91502