Press Release: Rabid Bat Found in Larimer County
Kori Solt
May 19, 2026
Kori Solt
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rabid Bat Found in Larimer County
Larimer County, CO — The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is reporting the first confirmed rabid animal in Larimer County this year. A bat found in the open space area near the Adriel Hills neighborhood in northeast Fort Collins was safely captured by NOCO Humane Animal Protection & Control and later tested positive for rabies. There are currently no known human exposures associated with this bat.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that poses a serious risk to human health. Each year, rabid animals are identified in Larimer County. Rabies is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, most often through a bite. People who may have been exposed to rabies must receive treatment quickly to prevent illness. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
In Larimer County, rabies is most commonly found in bats, skunks, and raccoons, but other mammals can also carry the disease. Health officials advise residents to avoid contact with wild animals, even if they appear friendly, injured, or lost. Instead, call NOCO Humane Animal Protection & Control at 970-226-3647 ext. 7 for assistance.
“Rabies can be found in wildlife throughout Larimer County. Avoid touching bats or other wild animals, and contact public health or animal control right away if you think a person or pet may have been exposed,” said Bob McDonald, Environmental Health Director for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.
How to protect yourself and your family:
Never touch or feed wild animals.
Teach children to stay away from wildlife and tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched.
Help keep wildlife away by bringing pet food indoors, closing pet doors at night, and securing trash cans and animal feed.
Make sure pets, horses, and livestock are up to date on rabies vaccinations.
Larimer County residents should call NOCO Humane Animal Protection & Control at 970-226-3647 ext. 7 to report encounters with bats, skunks, or other wild animals. The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment works closely with NOCO Humane to have animals tested for rabies and assess potential health risks for people who may have had contact with an animal. Residents with questions can also call the department’s hotline at 970-498-6666.
To learn more about rabies and other diseases that can spread from animals to humans, visit Larimer County Rabies Information (www.larimer.gov/rabies). To view a map of locations where rabid animals have been found, visit the Larimer County Rabies Map (www.larimer.gov/rabiesmap).
###
 | Kori Solt, MPH (she/her) Communications & Technology Manager |
Department of Health & Environment 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524 W: (970) 498-6836 | Mobile/Text: (970) 222-2847 |