Cook County releases Halloween-themed interactive map that tracks rabid bats

This Halloween, local health officials released a digital map of where bats have tested positive for rabies so residents can be more informed of the spooky animals flying in the night sky.

On Tuesday, the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) released the interactive map to raise awareness about rabies prevention and encourage pet owners to vaccinate dogs and cats against the disease.

Nine bats have tested positive for rabies in Cook County so far in 2023, according to the map. The nine positive tests occurred between May 11 and Sept. 30. Residents can compare the number and location of identified bats with rabies from data as far back as 2018.

A significant number of the identified rapid bats were found inside homes, according to ARC Administrator Mamadou Diakhate, meaning that pets who primarily stay indoors can still be exposed to rabies.

“Rabies is a completely preventable disease and is always fatal to unvaccinated pets,” said Diakhate in a news release.

Rabies left untreated is also “almost always fatal to humans,” Diakhate reminded Cook County residents. The disease is transmitted through saliva and spreads when an infected animal scratches or bites another.

While rapid bats can pose danger to humans and other animals, bats play a vital role in the county’s ecosystem, said Chris Anchor, senior wildlife biologist for the Forest Preserves of Cook County, in a news release. A half-ounce brown bat can eat half its body weight in insects each night.

“Bats are amazing flying mammals that act as important biomonitors, helping to indicate the health of our environment,” Anchor said.