SKANEATELES -- CNY Central has confirmed with the Onondaga County Health Department that a bat found inside a home in the village of Skaneateles tested positive for rabies.
A family found the bat Monday and brought it to the Onondaga County Health Department.
From there, the animal was shipped to Albany to undergo testing.
It comes during the most active time of the year for bats, according to the Health Department.
It also serves as a reminder to “bat-proof” your home, by making sure there aren’t any holes in common entrances to your home, like your garage, attic or basement.
If you see a bat fly into your home and leave without biting anyone, you’re fine.
But officials say it’s much different if you wake up and notice a bat in your home, because you don’t know if the bat bit you or anyone else.
The best thing to do in that case is to call the Health Department and trap the bat so it can be tested.
A professional can do the job, or you can do it yourself with the help of this instructional video on the Health Department’s website.
Health officials say if you are bitten by a bat or any other wild animal, wash the area with soap and water and immediately contact your physician.
The threat of rabies also serves as a reminder to make sure your pet is up to date on rabies shots.
“An animal not up to date on a rabies shot changes the picture because you have to confine them for six months or put them to sleep," said Melanie Hensley of Nichols Veterinary Hospital in Skaneateles.
For more information on free rabies clinics in Onondaga County, click here.
