The wild bat was found at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday next to the public elevator in the African Loop, near the hot air balloon ride, according to a news release.

The bat later tested positive for rabies, but is “not one that is on habitat at the Safari Park,” officials said.

The county urged anyone near the elevator and stairs on Wednesday before 10:45 a.m. and had direct contact with the bat, or knows of someone who may have touched it, to call County Public Health Services at 619-692-8499 as soon as possible.

According to county health officials, rabies is a preventable viral disease that “is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.”

Symptoms in humans can take weeks to months to develop after exposure to the rabies virus.

Human rabies “is usually fatal without prompt post-exposure vaccine and treatment,” said Dr. Ankita Kadakia, county interim public health officer.

“Rabies transmission can happen from a bat bite or if a bat’s saliva comes in contact with a cut or abrasion, or with mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose or mouth,” Kadakia said.

“Although bats can carry rabies, they are an important part of nature in San Diego County. It is important to respect the space of wildlife and do not touch them,” she added.

So far this year, officials have detected three rabid bats in the county.

Many species of bats are found in the county and eat insects such as mosquitoes, officials said.

Other types of bats consume plant nectar and also play a role in pollination, according to the county, which added that residents “may see bats occasionally around sunset, when they are most active.”

“It is important to appreciate wildlife from a safe distance and not touch them,” county officials said, adding that those who come into direct contact with a bat should thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water and immediately seek medical advice.

More information on rabies is available on the county’s website.

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