A bat recently found in Boulder has tested positive for rabies, Boulder County Public Health said in a news release Friday.

The bat was discovered at a private residence after coming into contact with a dog on an outdoor deck, according to the release. A second dog may have also come into contact with it, but that is not confirmed at this time.

The incident is the second confirmed rabies case in Colorado this year.

Bat tests positive for rabies in Colorado, first animal to test positive with virus in 2025

“Rabies isn’t limited to one area, and we want to avoid giving people a false sense of security,” said Carly Wilson, Boulder County Public Health environmental health specialist, in the release. “Even though this bat was found in the city of Boulder, residents throughout the county should take the same precautions to reduce their risk.”

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, according to the release. It is most commonly spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, and in the case of bats, exposure can happen through tiny punctures that may not be easily seen. Prompt treatment with a series of vaccinations can prevent illness.

Exposure to rabies most commonly occurs when people or pets come into contact with wildlife, such as picking up a bat off the ground or trying to remove one from the home or yard, according to the release. Bats — while commonly found under eaves, porch overhangs, shutters or gutters — should not be touched, as about 15% of them test positive for rabies. Other animals that can carry the disease include skunks, raccoons and foxes.

For questions about human contact with a bat, call the Colorado Health Information Line at 877-462-2911.