People should never directly handle a bat due to risk of contacting rabies. Since bats are nonaggressive, you need only leave them alone to be safe. If the bat is alive and near or on the ground where people or pets may find it, call Animal Control at 708-6060. If the bat is dead and located where curious children or pets may find it, scoop the bat into a sealable container such as a coffee can, cover and tape container, and dispose in the trash. If the bat is dead and there is no chance that people or other animals will make contact with it, leave the bat where it is.
Bats are wild animals.
Bats are shy of people. If you can touch a bat, it's probably sick. Some bats have rabies. For public health information, call 708-6060. Privacy Statement 2001 City of Austin, Texas .