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

According to EPCPH, human exposure to rabies-infected animals are rare and to prevent exposure it advises avoiding contact with wild animals, teaching children about the dangers 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 EPCPH, 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 EPCPH. Rabies-infected animals might also be quiet, try to hide or have trouble walking. 

EPCPH said to seek medical attention if bitten, scratched or in contact with any wild animal. 

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

The person who touched the bat tested on Tuesday is receiving appropriate treatment.