A bat found at a northwest-side apartment complex last week has tested positive for rabies, authorities said.
Last Wednesday, officials with the Pima County Animal Care Center removed a live bat from the Arches at Oracle Apartments, in the area of North Oracle and East Rudasill Roads, said Julia Flannery, a health department spokeswoman.
The bat was found inside of a box that people had been seen gathering around and touching before the health department removed the animal, Flannery said.
Anyone who came into physical contact with the bat is asked to call the health department immediately at 724-7797. Residents or visitors of the complex that didn’t touch the bat aren’t at risk.
“Having reports of people possibly touching the bat or its saliva is most concerning to us,” said health department director, Dr. Francisco Garcia. “We very much need to speak with anyone who had physical contact or whose pet had contact with the bat so that we can ensure their risk is appropriately assessed.”
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Anyone who sees a bat or any other wildlife acting oddly is asked not to touch the animal and to call PACC at 724-5900.
Contact reporter Caitlin Schmidt at cschmidt@tucson.com or 573-4191. On Twitter: @caitlincschmidt
