Two bats found in different Denver neighborhoods tested positive for rabies in July.

The first was found in the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood on July 8 and the second was reported in the Highlands neighborhood on July 17, according to a news release from the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment.

Rabies is found in an animal’s saliva and is typically transmitted through a bite from a rabid animal, according to the release. Bat bites are particularly hard to detect as they have small teeth.

Pet owners are asked to keep their animals up to date on rabies vaccinations. The Denver Animal Shelter offers a vaccination clinic from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday on a first come, first served basis.

To minimize the risk of rabies, Denver Animal Protection has issued the following recommendations:

• Avoid all contact with bats and wild animals; call 720-913-2080 if you need help catching an animal without contact
• Don’t sleep with open, unscreened windows or doors
• If bats are seen inside a building, close off the area and call animal protection
• Do not leave pet food outside where it will attract wild animals
• If you are bit by an animal, immediately wash the wound with soap and water before contacting your doctor
• Report all animal bites or scratches to animal protection

Any skunk, raccoon, bat, coyote or fox, handled by a person or in contact with a pet, must be euthanized and tested for rabies, according to the release. If someone encounters these animals, they are asked not to try and approach them and keep a safe distance.