05/21/2026
Two bats collected at different El Paso County locations were confirmed to have rabies, making them the first animals to test positive for the disease in El Paso County this year. One of the bats was found at Fountain Creek Regional Park. If you, your child, or your pet, came into contact with a bat at Fountain Creek Regional Park recently, please contact El Paso County Public Health at 719-578-3220.
The other rabid bat was not found in a public area.
Public health recommends the following precautions be taken to prevent rabies:
• Avoid contact with any wild animal, teach children not to interact with wild animals, and keep pets on a leash.
• Vaccinate your pets against rabies by using a licensed veterinarian. Rabies shots must be boosted, so check your pet’s records or talk to your veterinarian.
• Keep cats and other pets inside at night to reduce the risk of exposure to wildlife. Keep dogs within your sight (in a fenced yard, or on leash) during the day while outside.
• If people or pets are bitten or scratched by an aggressive, wild, or unknown animal, call your doctor/veterinarian immediately and report the incident to EPCPH at http://elpasocountyhealth.org/.../inf.../report-animal-bite/.
• Contact your veterinarian promptly if you believe your pet has been exposed to a wild animal.
• Do not touch or feed wild animals. Wild animals such as skunks and foxes adapt to residential environments if food is available. Please do not leave pet food outdoors.
• Bat bites can be difficult to detect. If you find a bat in your house, contact EPCPH at 719-578-3220.
• If you encounter a lost or stray dog or cat, contact the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region for options at 719-473-1741.
For additional safety precautions, visit https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/rabies/
