LEXINGTON, Ky. — A rabid bat was found in Lexington’s Meadowthorpe area (40511 ZIP code) Friday. The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD) is aware and has posted signs in the area to alert residents.

The find serves as a reminder for pet owners to make sure their animals are current with their rabies vaccination. LFCHD says it doesn’t appear the bat had any contact with neighborhood animals, but residents are urged to keep an eye on their pets. Early signs of rabies include behavior changes, chewing at a bite site, fever and loss of appetite.

The health department says if you notice active bats during the day or those that can’t fly at night, those could be signs of a rabid bat. Residents should never handle a bat. LFCHD says if you find one in your home, contact the Division of Environmental Health and Protection at (859) 231-9791 for help with having the animal collected and submitted for rabies testing.

To make sure you don’t get any unwanted visitors in your home, check for holes that might allow bats to enter. Bats can get into any openings larger than a quarter-inch by half-inch. If you have such openings, block it with stainless steel wool or caulking in the fall or winter. LFCHD says you don’t want to trap bats inside your house.

 Bats can also enter your house through chimneys, vents, shutters and under doors and under shingles.