Rabid Bats Found In Minneapolis, Residents Warned

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The City of Minneapolis is asking Twin Cities residents to take precautions after Minneapolis Animal Care and Control found two rabid bats in highly populated areas of the city.

According to reports, one bat was found last week near Glenwood Avenue and Logan Avenue North in the Near North neighborhood. The second was found May 23 near Emerson Avenue South and West 25th Street in the Lowry Hill East neighborhood.

Rabies is a deadly virus that can spread to people through the saliva of an infected animal. If bitten or scratched by an infected animal, symptoms include fever, headache, excess salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis and mental confusion.

Animal Care and Control advises residents to take necessary precautions for their safety. If a bat or other wild animal is found, do not approach it or allow pets to touch it. If a dead bat is found, call 311 for assistance from Animal Control officers. Other prevention measures can be found on the Minnesota State Board of Health’s website.

Residents should contact the Board at 651-201-6808 for questions or concerns regarding pet and livestock exposure. Contact the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414 for questions or concerns regarding human exposure.