Overview
- Roughly 14% of bats that encounter people or pets in the county test positive for rabies, with detections peaking in late summer.
- Positive bats have been identified across the county, including the San Fernando Valley, downtown buildings, parks, schools, businesses and residential yards.
- The Santa Clarita Valley has logged the most rabid bats over the past decade, largely among the Canyon Bat species, signaling localized circulation.
- Health guidance urges people to avoid handling bats, report indoor or abnormal encounters for collection and testing, and seek prompt medical care if exposure cannot be ruled out.
- Neighboring agencies also report increases this season, including Riverside County warnings and an Orange County case reported in October.