May 21, 2026
El Paso County, CO – 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.
On May 14, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) was notified of the first bat, which was found deceased off a public walking path within Fountain Creek Regional Park. On May 16, a veterinarian contacted EPCPH to report a domestic cat exposure to a bat. Both bats were promptly sent for testing, then confirmed positive for rabies on May 20. The exposed cat had previously been vaccinated and was given a booster rabies vaccine and placed in an at home observation.
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. EPCPH reminds the public to follow simple steps to prevent being exposed to rabies, by avoiding contact with any wild animal, teaching children not to interact with wild animals, and keeping pets on a leash.
“With the warmer months approaching, we typically see an increase in rabies cases among wildlife,” said EPCPH Communicable Disease Division Manager Haley Zachary. “Now is a good time to ensure your pets are up to date on vaccinations. As more people spend time outdoors, simple steps like keeping pets leashed and avoiding contact with wild animals can help reduce the risk of rabies.”
Rabies is a virus that generally infects wild mammals, such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. The virus is spread to people or pets most often by a bite from a rabid animal. Rabies infection affects the brain, causing brain swelling and damage, and is fatal once symptoms appear.
How to recognize sick wildlife:
- Healthy wild animals are normally afraid of humans. Sick animals may not run away when spotted by people. Wildlife suffering from rabies will often act aggressively and violently and approach people or pets.
- However, sometimes rabid animals are overly quiet and passive and want to hide. If they are hiding, leave them alone. Rabid wildlife might also stumble or have trouble walking.
- Sick or diseased wildlife should be reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at (719) 227-5200.
When to seek medical attention:
If you’ve been in contact with any wild animal, particularly if you’ve been bitten or scratched, you should promptly talk with a health care or public health professional to determine your risk for rabies or other illnesses.
Wash any wounds immediately with soap and water and then contact your health care provider and report the bite to El Paso County Public Health at: elpasocountyhealth.org/infectious-diseases-public-health-response/infectious-diseases-2/report-animal-bite/.
It’s important to know that bats have very small teeth which may leave marks that disappear quickly. If you have any kind of physical encounter with a bat, seek medical advice and report to Public Health to be safe.
Take these precautions to prevent rabies:
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 your dog on a leash when walking or hiking to protect them and wildlife.
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.
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.
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 elpasocountyhealth.org/infectious-diseases-public-health-response/infectious-diseases-2/report-animal-bite/.
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.
Read more tips on rabies prevention at elpasocountyhealth.org/rabies.
Animals testing positive for rabies in El Paso County, CO by year:
2025: 5 (bats)
2024: 6 (bats)
2023: 2 (bats)
2022: 4 (bats)
2021: 7 (3 bats, 3 skunks, 1 cat)
2020: 10 (5 bats, 4 skunks, 1 sheep)
2019: 16 (9 skunks, 5 bats, 1 fox, 1 dog)
For more information, visit the Communicable Disease Data Dashboard at elpasocountyhealth.org/disease-tracking-reports.