El Paso County Public Health is urging people to avoid encounters with wildlife after a bat tested positive for rabies on Tuesday.

A person who came into contact with the bat is receiving appropriate treatment, according to a news release. 

Human exposure to rabies-infected animals is rare and to prevent exposure health officials advise avoiding contact with wild animals, teaching children about the dangers of wildlife encounters and keeping pets on a leash. 

“Animals that are sick or injured should be reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife,” Bernadette Albanese, co-medical director of county Public Health, said in the news release. “The public should be particularly cautious in the summer months when people spend more time outdoors.” 

Rabid animals can be identified by showing signs of aggression and violently approach people or pets, according to the release. Rabies-infected animals might also be quiet, try to hide or have trouble walking. 

Seek medical attention if bitten, scratched or come into contact with any wild animal, health officials said. 

From 2022 to 2024, 12 bats tested positive for rabies in El Paso County and no other species tested positive.