This is the time of year when bats are most active and the DuPage County Health Department is
warning county residents to never touch or try to catch a bat or wild animal, especially in your
home.
Bats are the primary carriers of rabies in Illinois. You cannot tell by looking at a bat if it is
rabid. The animal does not have to be aggressive or exhibit other symptoms to have rabies. Any
wild mammal, such as a raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote or bat, can have rabies and transmit it to
humans.
Changes in any animal’s normal behavior, such as difficulty walking or an overall appearance of
illness, can be early signs of rabies. A bat that is active during the day, found on the ground and
unable to fly, is more likely to be rabid. Such bats should never be touched or handled...