Los Angeles County Logs 76 Rabid Bats in 2026, Breaking 2025 Record of 69
Updated
Updated · Fox Weather · Oct 20
Los Angeles County Logs 76 Rabid Bats in 2026, Breaking 2025 Record of 69
3 articles · Updated · Fox Weather · Oct 20
Summary
Los Angeles County confirmed 76 rabies-positive bats in 2026, setting a new annual high and prompting officials to warn residents and pet owners to avoid contact and report possible exposures.
August drove much of the surge: 24 rabid bats were confirmed that month, and 32% of bats submitted by residents for testing came back positive.
The county said rabid bat detections have risen steadily for more than a decade; statewide, California recorded 314 rabid bats in 2025, up from 229 in 2024.
A rabies-positive raccoon found in Westlake Village in September added to concern — the county's first since 1973 — with a vaccinated dog quarantined and four people receiving follow-up care.
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, and bat bites can go unnoticed, making vaccination of pets and rapid medical evaluation after possible exposure critical.