Date: 5/31/26 6:47 pm From: Martin Fee via groups.io <mfee...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Bats in Irvine
Hi Aaron
I happen to be an Infectious Disease Specialist, so I’ll take this one.
There is always a very low level presence of rabies within the bat populations in the United States. Bats are the primary source of human rabies in the United States, mainly because it’s not always clear when one may have been bitten or scratched by one (as opposed to say a raccoon).
That being said, the only real potential danger is when there is close contact with a bat, primarily within a home or other building. There’s no risk whatsoever of acquiring rabies, simply observing them flying about in their natural environment. So feel free to participate and enjoy. Hope that helps.
Martin FeeNorth Tustin
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On Sunday, May 31, 2026, 4:06 PM, Aaron Jones via groups.io <atj0888...> wrote:
Good afternoon, In anticipation of the bat walks at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary this summer, what can be said about the bats there and rabies, please? This is in light of a concern that was expressed to me regarding recently reported case of a bat with rabies found at Irvine Region Park. I don’t know the prevalence of rabid bats in Orange County or the relations between bats in Irvine Regional Park, San Joaquin Sanctuary, and other locations in Orange County, hence my question here for anyone who may be better informed. Thank you, and kind regards,--Aaron Jones,
Santa Ana.
