Two Rabid Bats Confirmed in Shasta County

Gary Peyrot
Oct 22, 2025
3 min read

Public Health Officials Urge Caution

By Gary Peyrot | Shasta Unfiltered | October 21, 2025

Photo by Todd Cravens - Subsplash

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. – October 21, 2025 – Two bats found in Shasta County over the past two months have tested positive for rabies, according to a statement released by the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). The announcement prompted immediate public health guidance urging residents to avoid direct contact with bats and report any potential exposure to animals exhibiting unusual behavior.

The infected bats were collected and tested by county authorities after being discovered in public areas, raising concern due to the nature of rabies transmission and the possibility of undetected contact. Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that affects the nervous systems of mammals, including humans, dogs, and cats. Few bats carry rabies, but this report states "the risk of exposure is higher when bats exhibit unusual behavior, such as flying during the day, being found on the ground, or resting in visible areas." and "The only way to tell if a bat has rabies is by having it tested."

Rabies is spread primarily through the saliva of infected animals, most often via bites or tooth scratches. Though many associate rabies risk with larger animals like raccoons or skunks, bats are now the leading source of rabies-related human deaths in the United States, accounting for roughly 70% of cases. In 2021, five people died from rabies in the United States; four of those deaths were linked to bat exposure, and most were preventable. However, without receiving the rabies vaccine before symptoms start, the disease is nearly 100% fatal, making immediate medical attention paramount.

Part of the danger lies in what makes bats so unique—their bite. “Bat teeth are incredibly fine, like hypodermic needles,” according to Dr. Rodney Roodie, a zoonotic disease expert and former CDC scientist. “Often, people don’t even realize they’ve been bitten, especially children.” This point is more than hypothetical. There are documented tragedies where children described seeing a “bird” in their bedroom or backyard, only for it to later be identified as a bat—too late for effective medical intervention.

What to Do If You Find a Bat

County officials urge residents to never handle a bat with bare hands. If a bat is found indoors or is believed to have come into contact with a person or pet, it should be safely contained, if possible, using heavy gloves and a box or bucket. Local animal regulation services should be contacted immediately so the animal can be tested for rabies.

Contact numbers for reporting:

· Shasta County Sheriff’s Animal Regulation (Unincorporated areas): (530) 245-6065

· City of Redding and Anderson: (530) 241-2550

· Shasta Lake: (530) 275-7480

· Public Health Office: (530) 225-5591

Simply finding a dead bat outdoors is not necessarily a health concern unless it may have bitten or scratched a person or animal.

Prevention and Protection

Insure pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
Teach children to never touch bats or wildlife, even if animals appear friendly or injured.
Secure potential home entry points, such as attic vents and chimneys, to prevent bats from roosting indoors.
Be sure to get immediate medical attention if there is any chance of exposure to the rabies virus and seek to safely trap the animal involved for testing.