According to Brownwood Interim Police Chief, James Fuller, a bat has tested positive for rabies.  The news release below details the event.

On Saturday, May 4, 2019 at approximately 3:00 pm, Animal Control Officer Sarah Lopez responded to a south Brownwood residence for a report of an injured bat.  The bat was retrieved from a local business parking lot and placed in a box to be taken home for care.  Animal control authorities retrieved the bat which later tested positive for rabies.

The Brownwood Police Department would like to remind everyone to take necessary precautions when encounter otherwise wild or exotic animals.  Avoid animals you are unfamiliar with and/or ones that are displaying suspicious behavior or appear sickly.  Do not attempt to pet or pick up animals in this instance.  Animals that are considered wild, such as bats, raccoons, skunks or opossums should never be handled.  Be especially weary of these types of wild animals if you see them roaming about during daylight hours.  These precautions are necessary to avoid potential life-threatening exposure or injury.

When in doubt, stay away from the animal and contact the Animal Control Office of the Brownwood Police Department.