Bat attacks surge 23% in Catalunya as Spain issues rabies warning
A bite from a bat is probably not something most people in Spain expect to worry about, but new figures […]
Bats in Catalonia are causing a rise in attacks, with a 23% increase this year, health officials warn. Salut, the regional health authority, highlights that bats are the primary source of rabies risk in the area. From January to August, there have been 86 incidents involving bats, compared to 70 for the entire year of 2025. These bats carry the European rabies virus, which can lead to fatal neurological disease if untreated.
While the overall risk to people remains low, the health department stresses that any contact with a bat should be treated seriously. Of the 198 animal attacks reported in Catalonia, 86 involved bats, making up 43% of all incidents, a rise from 36% last year. Dogs accounted for 28% of incidents in 2025, down from 56% in the previous year.
The trend shows a seasonal increase, with 20% of bites reported in July and 13% in August. The health department advises against touching bats, even injured ones, and recommends immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched.
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