Pickens County residents should be on alert after the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) confirmed a rabid bat was discovered near Boot Leg Road, close to Lake Jocassee. The department’s rabies prevention program has issued clear guidance for anyone who may have been exposed.
What happened
On October 19, officials reported that a bat found in the vicinity of Boot Leg Road tested positive for rabies. The animal is the seventh in Pickens County to test positive this year, and one of 95 across the state so far in 2026.
How to protect yourself
The health department advises anyone who suspects contact with the bat to call the rabies prevention line at 888‑847‑0902 (option 2). The call should be made even if a bite is not obvious; bat teeth are tiny and bites can be easily missed.
Terri McCollister, the DPH rabies program manager, emphasized the importance of assuming exposure when a bat is found in a home, on a lawn, or otherwise in close proximity to people or pets. “People don’t always realize they or a pet have been bitten,” she said.
When to assume exposure
- If a bat is found inside a home, garage, or other structure.
- If a bat is seen on a lawn, patio, or other outdoor area where family members gather.
- If a bat displays unusual behavior such as daytime activity, inability to fly, or appears disoriented.
In any of these situations, the department recommends treating the encounter as a possible exposure and seeking medical advice promptly.
Safe handling and removal
Never handle a bat or any wild animal with bare hands. If removal is necessary, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) maintains a list of authorized wildlife‑control operators who can safely trap and transport the animal in a sealed container.
Rabies can only be confirmed through laboratory testing, so proper capture and submission of the animal are essential for public‑health officials to assess risk.
Why the warning matters
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system. While human cases are rare, the virus is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Early post‑exposure treatment, typically a series of vaccinations, is highly effective when administered promptly.
The recent cluster of rabid wildlife in Pickens County underscores the need for vigilance, especially as bats seek shelter in homes during cooler months. Residents are encouraged to seal entry points, keep pets up to date on vaccinations, and report any suspicious wildlife to the appropriate authorities.
Additional resources
For a full list of authorized wildlife‑control operators, visit the SCDNR website. The DPH rabies prevention program also provides educational materials on how to recognize signs of rabies in animals and steps to take after a possible exposure.
By staying informed and acting quickly, Pickens County families can protect themselves, their pets, and the broader community from this preventable disease.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
