The third rabid bat has been found in the Santa Clarita Valley for the 2016 year.

Eight rabid bats have been found in Los Angeles County so far in 2016.

-Calabasas. January. Bat found alive outdoors at a school

-La Canada Flintridge. March. Bat found outdoors at a public park.

-Los Angeles (Downtown). April. Bat found in 23rd floor of an office building.

-Castaic. April. Bat found on ground outside of a garage at a home.

-Los Angeles (Los Feliz/Griffith Park area). April. Bat found alive on ground in a park.

-Santa Clarita (Newhall). May. Bat flew into home through an open door and landed in kitchen sink.

-Los Angeles (Los Feliz/Griffith Park area). May. Bat found alive on ground in a park.

-Santa Clarita (Newhall). June. Dog found bat in back yard, ate part of bat. Two dogs in home put under home quarantine/rabies observation

Bats are the animals that are most commonly diagnosed with rabies in Los Angeles County. However, only about 1 percent of bats in nature are infected with rabies.

Most bats do not have rabies. They try to avoid contact with people and pets. Bats are good for the environment because they eat insects and pollinate plants. Bats are also protected by law.

However, bats seen flying in daylight, or found on the ground, are more likely to have rabies.

Never touch a bat or other wild animal. If you pick up a bat with your bare hands, you may be bitten and exposed to rabies.

Bats that bite a person or pet should be tested for rabies. The bite mark from a bat can be very small and hard to see.

Bats that are found indoors near a sleeping person, young child, adult that cannot speak, or pet should also be tested for rabies. In these cases, try to gently trap the bat without touching it (such as covering it with a bucket), and call your local animal control agency. You should also talk to your doctor and/or veterinarian in these situations.