On September 11, 2021, a bat found near Lands End Road and Lands End Court in Sea Pines tested positive for the rabies virus. The rabid bat is now deceased.

Symptoms of Rabies in Animals Include: • Fatigue • Fever • Vomiting • Weakness • Not wanting to eat • Aggression • Difficulty walking, breathing or swallowing • Abnormal behavior

Due to the possibility of the spread of rabies, DHEC urges everyone to use caution when dealing with wild or stray animals. If you have reason to believe that you, someone you know, or your pets have come into contact with this bat or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Beaufort office at (843) 846-1030 during normal business hours (M-F, 8:30-5:00) or the DHEC after-hours service number at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).

Please ensure your pets have received and are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. For more information on rabies in South Carolina, visit SC DHEC’s website: https://www.scdhec.gov/rabies.

To report an animal that is exhibiting symptoms listed above, you are asked to immediately contact Sea Pines Security at 843-671-7170 and report a description of the animal and its location. Never handle any wild or stray animal, alive or dead, with your bare hands or attempt to capture the animal, an officer will be dispatched to investigate the report.

DHEC Reference Materials:

• Notice of Rabid Bat from DHEC
• Bats and Rabies: A Public Health Guide
• DHEC Animal Incident Reporting Form