Rabies-Positive Bat Discovered Near Princeton School Playground

A bat found near the Community Park School playground in Princeton, NJ has tested positive for rabies, local officials announced. The discovery was made on Tuesday morning when staff from Princeton Recreation spotted a brown bat alive and moving on the ground near the playground. Princeton Animal Control Officer Jim Ferry took possession of the bat and sent it for testing at the New Jersey Public Health and Environmental Laboratory. The results came back positive for rabies on Wednesday.

Rabies is a serious viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated. It is typically spread through the bite or scratch of a rabid animal, or when the animal’s saliva comes into contact with a person’s mouth, eyes, or an open wound. In this case, no human exposures have been reported, but anyone who may have had physical contact with the bat is advised to contact the Princeton Health Department for guidance and possible medical treatment.

To prevent the spread of rabies, it is crucial for pets and domestic animals to be up to date on their rabies vaccinations. This is especially important in areas like Princeton where rabies is known to occur. Skunks, foxes, raccoons, groundhogs, bats, and unvaccinated domestic animals are all at risk of developing rabies.

In Princeton, approximately three to six animals test positive for rabies each year, highlighting the importance of taking precautions to protect both humans and animals. Some steps that can be taken to prevent rabies include keeping children and pets away from wild or unfamiliar animals, sealing off potential entry points for animals into your home, and avoiding contact with stray or wild animals.

If you come across a sick, injured, or behaving oddly domestic or wild animal, it is best to leave it alone and contact Princeton Animal Control for assistance. Handling these animals yourself can put you at risk of exposure to rabies. The Animal Control Daytime Number is (609) 924-2728, and for nights and weekends, you can call the Police non-emergency number at (609) 921-2100.

For more information on rabies and how to protect yourself and your pets, visit the Princeton Health Department’s website or contact local authorities. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of rabies in your community.