WIMBERLY, Texas -- On Monday, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office responded to the St. Stephens Episcopal Church located in the 6000 block of Ranch Road in Wimberley concerning a call about a rabid bat. 

The bat was found in the afternoon hours in an outdoor breezeway near a set of lockers. The bat was examined by the Department of State Health Services and tested positive for the rabies virus. Authorities said that anyone that may have come in physical contact with the animal is asked to call the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Control Unit at 512-393-7896 or The Department of State Health Services Zoonosis Control at 254-778- 6744.

Also on Monday, the Manor Police Department's animal control officer was dispatched to a dangerous animal call in the 300 block of West Eggleston Street regarding a living Mexican Free Tail Bat that was located by a resident. 

Prior to arrival on scene, Animal Control advised the caller not to touch the bat, yet upon arrival the caller had picked up the bat and put it in a shoebox. Manor Animal Control took possession of the bat and humanely euthanized it, then submitted the animal for testing to the Texas Department of State Health Services in Austin. The results concluded the bat tested positive for rabies.

The resident was notified but was unsure if she had been bitten or scratched while handling the bat. However, due to contact, medical attention was suggested. Due to the positive results, authorities are activating a rabies alert notice. The Manor Police Department will be sending out text and email alerts to inform residents about the positive rabies result.

Anyone with any questions is asked to email Manor Police Department Animal Control at animalcontrol@cityofmanor.org or call 512-282-8177.