If you live in Clark County or anywhere else in Southern Nevada , chances are you have seen a bat at least once. They’re sort of everywhere in the state. Whenever locals head out to the river or lakes especially, they always emerge right around sunset.
And for the most part, they keep to themselves. So we usually don’t really pay them much attention. But once in a while, their presence is more obvious than other times. And, according to the Nevada Department of Agriculture, they have been more active here between the months of October and May.
What does this mean for locals? Well, it means we’d better make sure our and our pets rabies vaccines are up to date. The Animal Disease Laboratory finds, on average, 10 to 20 confirmed cases of rabies every year. And the Nevada Department of Agriculture just announced the first case in Clark County (fox5vegas.com).
Bats are the most common culprit when it comes to rabies transmission to both humans and their pets. Pets especially are at risk because they’re more inclined to chase a live bat or mess with a dead one. Dead or alive, bats can transmit disease.
If a person or their pet has come into contact with a bat, living or dead, they should contact animal control immediately. A wild animal can transmit rabies either through a bite or a scratch, according to the CDC. Rabies effects the central nervous system. A person should seek medical care immediately if a bat has bitten or scratched them or their pet.
Current rabies vaccinations are required in the state of Nevada for many pets, including dogs and cats. To keep ourselves and our fur babies protected, it is important to keep those vaccine records up to date. Especially now, when bats are more prevalant in Clark County.
Best bet is to just stay away from the bats here in Clark County. But if you do come into contact with one, you can check the Southern Nevada Health District website for information.
– Wendy Rush, 96.3 KKLZ
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Where Nevada Ranks With Attacks By Wild Animals
#5 TENNESSEE
Well, if you think about it, Tennessee is know for their mountain like country, so there is bound to be wild animals roaming around. With that thought in mind, the Volunteer State comes in at #5 on the list of most likely to be attacked by wild animals!
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#4 NORTH CAROLINA
Not to be confused with their neighbors to the south. North Carolina is a surprise in the Top 5. But with that said, there has to be reasons as to why. So if you’re traveling their some time soon, just be careful! It’s #4 on the list!
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#3 FLORIDA
The state of Florida comes in at #3. Not surprised at all. Sunshine, beaches, the ocean, lakes just means sharks, alligators and more! Florida does have a lot to offer, just be careful next time you’re down there!
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#2 CALIFORNIA
It’s the same as Florida when it comes to wildlife, but add in the mountains of Northern California with black bears, mountain lions and more. No wonder this state is #2 on the list!
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#1 TEXAS
This one was a but of a surprise. When it comes to wild animal attacks, Texas is #1? But when you look at the stats that over the past 20 years, close to 600 people have been killed by wild animals in Texas, it’s shocking. Especially when you see that California at #2 has only had less than 300. But, there ya go….so when you hit Texas, keep your head on a swival!
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