Rabid bat found at downtown Chipotle

A rabid bat was discovered recently at the Chipotle location downtown, but authorities say there is no reason to avoid the restaurant.

Steven Heath, animal protection supervisor for the city, said that Animal Control was dispatched to the Chipotle on North LBJ the night of May 16. The bat was found outside the side door of the restaurant, about knee-high on the wall, and it was deceased, he said. He noted that rabies is transmitted in saliva through broken skin, such as a bite wound, and rarely by a rabid animal’s claws.

“As long as this does not happen you are safe,” Heath said.

The bat was the fifth animal in San Marcos to test positive for rabies this year, according to Heath.

Heath cautioned people to call Animal Protection if they notice an animal behaving strangely.

“For instance, if the animal is normally active at night and you see it during the day, it is turning in circles for no reason, uncontrollable shaking or auto-biting,” he said, “that is when you should stay as far away as possible and contact Animal Protection. Also, if you see a deceased animal you should not make contact and you should call Animal Protection.”

Heath said the best advice is to not make contact with wild animals or domesticated animals other than your own pets.

The phone number for Animal Protection is 512-805-2655.