AUSTIN (KXAN) — A bat found on the ground at an outlet mall in San Marcos tested positive for rabies, according to the city of San Marcos.
The bat was discovered Saturday around 4:30 p.m. at the Tanger Outlet Mall, according to the city, and it was then collected and sent to the rabies laboratory in Austin, where it tested positive for the virus.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable virus that can infect mammals, including wildlife, pets and humans. It is spread through the bites and scratches of an infected animal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The city said a witness saw a group of teens touching the bat, but the group left before Animal Protection Officers arrived. Anyone with information to help identify the teenagers or any other individuals who may have come into contact with the bat should call 512-805-2655.
“It is imperative that anyone who comes into physical contact with a rabid animal seek post-exposure treatment promptly to avoid contracting the deadly virus,” the city said.
According to the CDC, signs of rabies in bats include unusual behaviors, such as:
- being active during the day
- being found in unusual places, including inside a home or on the ground
- the inability to fly or you can easily approach
- having made contact with you, as they usually avoid humans
In addition to bats, the CDC said other common rabid animals in the U.S. include raccoons, skunks and foxes.
“If you see a wild animal, especially one acting strangely or found in an unusual location like the middle of a sidewalk, do not touch it. Instead, call Animal Services and trained officers will respond to address the animal,” the city said.