The Sullivan County Department of Public Health is urging local residents to exercise caution around wildlife after a bat in Grahamsville tested positive for rabies.

This marks Sullivan County's second laboratory-confirmed rabid animal associated with a potential human exposure this year.

Public health officials warn that bat exposures can be difficult to recognize because bats have very small teeth, making bites or scratches hard to spot. Anyone who has direct contact with a bat, wakes up to find a bat in their sleeping area, or discovers a bat where contact cannot be reliably ruled out should contact Public Health for guidance at (845) 292-5910.

If you suspect exposure or encounter a bat, wash any bite or scratch immediately and thoroughly with soap and water, then seek health guidance. Never attempt to catch a bat with bare hands. Do not release a trapped bat if it can be safely contained without direct contact until speaking with public health officials, because testing the bat helps determine whether rabies post-exposure treatment is needed.

Rabies is present throughout New York State, occurring most frequently in wild mammals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Infected animals may act aggressively or unusually, lose fear of humans, stagger, or drool excessively, though an animal does not need to look sick to transmit rabies. Parents are advised to teach children never to touch or approach wild or unfamiliar animals.

To keep pets safe, residents should ensure dogs, cats, and ferrets are up to date on rabies vaccinations. Supervise pets when outdoors, particularly at night, and prevent them from roaming or interacting with wildlife. Avoid using bare hands to separate fighting animals and contact a veterinarian and Public Health if a pet interacts with a potentially rabid animal.

While the Sullivan County Department of Public Health is working to schedule an additional clinic specifically in the Town of Neversink area, residents can utilize these upcoming free rabies vaccination clinics:

Narrowsburg Fire House: September 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Livingston Manor Fire Department: September 23, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Pre-registration for clinics is requested by calling (845) 292-5910.