Staff report
A live bat found at the Kohl's department store at 20185 Marketplace Avenue on May 24 in Kyle has tested positive for rabies.
According to City of Kyle officials, the bat was found on the sidewalk in front of the building at approximately 11:30 a.m.
If you think that you or someone else may have come in physical contact with the animal, please call:
Kyle Animal Control -- 512.268.3232
Department of State Health Services Zoonosis Control -- 254.778.6744
In addition, the city is asking Kyle residents to be "Bat Aware" and to avoid contact with a sick or dead bat on the ground.
If grounded bat is found, Kyle officials stress that it should be isolated to prevent further contact with people and animals.
Should a citizen be able to isolate a bat, residents are asked to wear leather gloves and cover the animal with a pail, coffee can or a similar container, and place a rock or brick on top of the container to secure it.
If human exposure has occurred, the bat will need to be tested for rabies.
“Bats can be really cool to watch when they're flying around in large groups, but you should never try to get close to a bat,” Briana Brecher, City of Kyle Animal Control Officer said in a statement. “If you see a bat, alive or dead, please stay away from it and don’t touch it. If the bat is in an enclosed area like your home, please call Kyle Animal Control at 512-268-3232.”
