Rabid bat found in front of Big Lots store in Kerrville

Kerr County officials have confirmed that a bat discovered in front of the Big Lots store, located at 1305 Sidney Baker Street in Kerrville, has tested positive for rabies.  Kerr County Animal Services received reports on Thursday, October 24, that there was a bat in front of the store’s entrance and there were several women reportedly touching the bat and posing for pictures with it.

“If you were at the entrance to the Big Lots store on that day and you touched or picked up a bat that was on the ground, KCAS and the Texas Department of State Health Services recommend you contact DSHS immediately by calling (210) 949-2000.  We also urge you to contact your preferred medical professional as soon as possible,” said KCAS Director Reagan Givens.

The zoological lab confirmed October 30, that the bat was tested positive for rabies, making this case the 16th incident of rabies that Kerr County has recorded in 2024.  Other cases have included:  1 cat, 1 dog, 2 fox, 2 raccoons, 8 skunks and one other bat.  Many of the county’s cases this year were found inside city limits.

Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the neurological system and is carried by mammals and can be transferred to humans.  “If you see a wild animal of any kind, please do not pick it up or touch it – not even for selfies,” Givens said.  “It may have diseases and/or rabies.  In cases such as this, we do not have any information on the identity of the individuals who had contact with this particular bat.”

Anyone noticing an animal acting strangely is asked to note its physical appearance, the exact location when spotted and which direction it may be heading, then call KCAS at (830) 257-3100 to report the information.  If the sighting is after normal business hours, call the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office at (830) 896-1216.