Rabies-Positive Bat Rescued from Shelley Lake Prompts Health Alerts in Raleigh

A bat that was pulled from the water at Shelley Lake in Raleigh this month was later confirmed positive for rabies by the Raleigh Police Department’s laboratory testing. The animal died while being transported to a wildlife rehabilitator in Charlotte, after which the rescuer returned it to Raleigh for evaluation. Police reported that there was “little to no contact” between the bat and the two individuals who attempted the rescue, and both the people and the Wake County health department have been notified.

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This is the second bat to test positive for rabies in Raleigh during the current year and the third rabies-positive animal overall reported in the area. The latest incident follows a separate outbreak involving four rabid goats linked to a traveling petting zoo that visited Durham County last month. Health officials in the affected counties have recorded more than 100 possible rabies exposures tied to the goats, including fewer than 60 reports in Durham County alone.

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State Veterinarian Michael Martin emphasized that bats are a common carrier of rabies and urged residents to avoid handling unknown animals. Wake County health officials reiterated standard precautions: do not approach unfamiliar wildlife, keep pets up to date on rabies vaccinations, use booster shots for outdoor pets, avoid feeding stray animals, and secure trash. If a pet contacts a potentially rabid animal, owners should contact a veterinarian immediately.

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• “There's a very low risk of transmission to humans. It is something that is lethal to humans. When you have something that's lethal, and there's no treatment after clinical signs, it is something you want to take very seriously.” — State Veterinarian Michael Martin

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The combined bat and goat cases have heightened community awareness of rabies risks, prompting local health departments to reinforce preventive measures.

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