A couple in Breckenridge woke up July 16 to find a bat on their bedroom floor, according to a news release from Summit County. Animal control officers collected the bat, arranged for it to be tested for rabies and the test came back positive.

The couple and their dog, which was suspected of playing with the bat, have begun post-exposure treatments, according to the release.

Amy Wineland, the director of Summit County Public Health, said in a quote in the release that her office has “always known” about rabies circulating in the bat population. She added that the incident is a reminder of the risks of interacting with wildlife and the importance of responding appropriately.

Rabies, which affects mammals’ central nervous systems, is spread through infected animals’ saliva, meaning it can spread through bites. It is 99% fatal in humans, the release stated, making it critical to seek treatment for possible infection as soon as possible. 

Bats are not immune to rabies, and infected ones die quickly. Rabies is also common in skunks, foxes and raccoons. 

To minimize bat conflicts, the release stated, people should avoid handling them or other wildlife and notice suspicious behavior, like being out during the day, being aggressive towards humans or animals or acting lethargic.

Bats in homes can be released by turning off lights and opening doors. People should also vaccinate their pets against rabies and eliminate points of entry to their homes, the release stated.

To report a suspicious animal, an animal bite or a dead or captured animal, call Summit County Animal Control through the county’s nonemergency number: 970-668-8600.