Bat Rescued From Shelley Lake Tests Positive For Rabies
A bat rescued from drowning in Shelley Lake in North Raleigh tested positive for rabies.
Raleigh Durham, NC, September 6, 2026 — A bat found in distress and rescued from Shelley Lake in North Raleigh has tested positive for rabies, according to health officials. The discovery raises public health awareness regarding potential rabies exposure in the area.
The animal was reportedly rescued from drowning in the lake. Following the rescue, the bat was submitted for rabies testing. The results confirmed the presence of the rabies virus.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of warm-blooded animals. It is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, but the virus can also be transmitted if an infected animal’s saliva comes into contact with mucous membranes or open wounds.
Local health authorities typically advise the public to avoid contact with wild animals, including bats, especially if they appear sick or are found in unusual circumstances, such as being active during the day or unable to fly. If an encounter with a bat occurs, or if there is potential for exposure, it is recommended that individuals contact their healthcare provider and local health department immediately.
The specific circumstances surrounding the rescue and the subsequent health advisories for individuals who may have had contact with the bat were not detailed. Information regarding the protocol for handling and testing such animals, and the subsequent public health notifications, is standard procedure when a rabies-positive wild animal is identified.
Shelley Lake is a public park located in North Raleigh. While bats are a common part of the local ecosystem, rabies poses a serious health risk, and vigilance is encouraged by health departments to prevent potential transmission to humans and domestic animals. Residents are encouraged to report any unusual animal behavior or potential exposure incidents to the appropriate authorities. The contractor or agency responsible for the rescue and testing was not specified. Further details regarding any potential public health warnings or actions taken were not provided in the initial report. The outcome for the bat after testing positive for rabies was not stated.
Story summarized from the original created by Rodney Overton on www.cbs17.com, see more information here.
