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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Riverside County Animal Services officer Michael Cox waded toward the bird that was struggling to free itself from some fishing line discarded at Lake Evans at Fairmount Park in Riverside. Once he reached the bird, the water was up to his chest and that’s when the officer realized the fishing line was snagged in a tree, essentially trapping the bird from mobility. Officer Cox needed to watch out for the sharp beak of the black crowned night heron. Frightened by his presence, the heron took a few swipes at Officer Cox.

“From my training, I know water fowl go for your eyes,” Cox said. “I was being very cautious.”

He was able to avoid injury, snipped the line and calmly walked the bird to shore to finish removing all of the line.

His colleague, Officer Mary Salazar, assisted him when get got to dry land and he later emptied his rubber boots filled with Lake Evans water.

Officer Salazar noticed the heron had a hook in one of its wings. They transported the heron to the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley where veterinary staffers carefully removed the hook and examined it for any injuries. It was kept overnight for observation.

“Animal rescue comes in all shapes and sizes,” Animal Services Director Erin Gettis said. “I am so proud of officers Cox and Salazar and all the field officers for the work they do to assist any and all critters in need.”

Officer Cox returned to Fairmount Park Sept. 5 and released the heron.

Not too far from the release site, signs advise anglers to discard their lines. Cox said he and his fellow officers get calls frequently for lines tangled in legs and wings.

“If people aren’t cleaning up their fishing lines, it will happen again,” he said. “We hope people realize that they need to be mindful of the wild birds while fishing. Please know that the lines can be harmful – if not fatal – for our feathered friends.”

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