Info About Bats

NEVER HANDLE A BAT
Bats flying overhead do not pose a risk for transmitting rabies. Rabies is transmitted when an infected bat bites or scratches a person’s skin. A bat’s teeth are very small and a person may not notice they’ve been bitten.
Typically healthy bats do not fly around or lay around during daylight hours.
If a person is scratched or bitten by a bat, Longview Animal Control and the Texas Department of State Health Services, advise that the exposed person begin treatment to prevent rabies as soon as possible.
Residents are encouraged to periodically check attics and other quiet structures around the home. If bat roosts are discovered, pest control companies may assist with removal.
Vaccinate your pets yearly to protect them against rabies.

What to do if you encounter a bat:

If you see a bat inside your residence or place of business, please do not touch it or release it outside.
Animal Control or 9-1-1 should be notified so a professional Animal Control Officer can remove the bat and send it in for testing.
While waiting for the Animal Control Officer to arrive, family members and other animals should be isolated to other areas away from the bat.
If the bat is released prior to Animal Control’s arrival, Animal Control will assume the bat could be positive for rabies and will recommend appropriate post-exposure vaccinations be started by your physician. Post-rabies exposure vaccinations are very expensive and could be avoided if Animal Control can capture the bat for testing.