Illinois Officials Warn Residents After Rabid Bat Discovery

Here’s a warning to not mess around with wildlife, as a rabid bat was found in Park Ridge, a northwest suburb of Chicago.

The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed the rabid bat was discovered near the 1100 block of South Rose Avenue.

Officials are saying not to touch bats or wild animals and to call a doctor immediately if you think you were bitten or exposed.

READ MORE: Illinois DPH Issues Warning About Animal & Pest-Borne Illnesses

Rabid Bat Discovered in Chicago Suburb

Here are a couple of signs you’re dealing with a rabid bat:

• They’re active during the day
• Are found in places like your home or on the ground
• Can’t fly
• Made contact with you

Bats usually avoid people, so if one is trying to get up close and personal, it might be rabid, per CDC.gov.

READ MORE: What's The Deal With All The Bats Around Rockford?

The Critical Importance of Rabies Vaccines

As far as I can remember, I’ve never had a run-in with a bat. The closest I have ever come to a bat is at the zoo or at a comic book convention with attendees dressed as bats. That’s it.

Anyway, if you’re a pet owner, make sure you keep your rabies vaccines current because the last thing you want to have to contend with is a rabid animal.

Above all else, this new issue in Illinois should remind you that bats are still unsettling, and even without rabies, you wouldn’t catch me trying to get near one.