Second Rabid Bat Found In Frankfort

FRANKFORT, IL — A bat found in Frankfort on Aug. 8 has tested positive for rabies. The bat was picked up by Will County Animal Control in the 22400 block of Hughes Street. This is the fifth rabies-positive bat for Will County this season and the second found in Frankfort. Other rabies-positive bats have been found in Homer Glen, Steger and Braidwood.

In July, another bat tested positive for rabies in Frankfort. That bat was found in a driveway off of Aberdeen Road.

Last year, there were 19 confirmed rabid bats in Will County. The department said bats discovered in Will County need to be immediately reported to Will County Animal Control at 815-462-5633. The Will County Animal Control program maintains a 24-hour answering and emergency pick-up service for confined stray animals, injured animals and stray biters.

In addition to reporting any discovered bats immediately, Will County residents are reminded to remove any people and animals from the area where the bat is, and to close off the vicinity where the bat is located, if possible. You should also look over all residents and pets that were around the bat for any small puncture or bite marks. Residents are reminded to not touch a diseased bat, and to to have your pets currently vaccinated against rabies.