The Arizona Department of Health Services on Tuesday issued a warning reminding Arizonans that rabid animals may be found throughout the state.
In April, there were three separate bobcat attacks on people in Gila, Maricopa and Pinal counties. The bobcats tested positive for rabies at the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory. In addition, several bats have been found near people — including at two schools. The bats were sent for rabies testing.
“Students may have picked up the bats, unaware of what they actually were,” said Craig Levy of the Department of Health Services. “Bats can look like small fuzzy animals, so children might think it is safe to handle them. It is not.”
