Forget haunted houses, the first scare of the season in Kerriville came from a real-life creature. A rabid bat discovered outside a busy downtown business is prompting warnings from local officials as spooky season gets underway.
Kerr County Animal Services said the bat was found near shopping carts in the 100 block of Main Street on Monday, September 22. An animal control officer collected it, and by Thursday, September 25, lab results confirmed the bat tested positive for rabies, according to a release.
“This is another instance that proves we cannot predict when and where we might encounter an animal carrying this terrible disease,” said KCAS Director Reagan Givens. “It can be out in the brush in a remote corner of the county or it can be right next to the shopping cart you are grabbing to visit a store.”
Officials said no human contact was reported but stressed the importance of avoiding bats or other wild animals that appear sick or behave abnormally. Instead, residents should note the animal’s location and behavior, then call KCAS at 830-257-3100. After hours, reports should go through the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office.
“Please always be on the lookout and be cautious. Also, we urge you to take steps now to protect any pets in your family by making sure their rabies vaccines are current,” Givens said.
The bat is Kerr County’s sixth confirmed rabies case in 2025.