SPRINGFIELD - With the popularity of the Batman movie "The Dark Knight," folks might get a warm, fuzzy feeling for those mysterious, insect-eating mammals that take to the skies each night. But in a recent news release, State Public Health Director Damon Arnold warned Illinois residents to avoid having contact with bats.

State figures show that 55 bats in 17 Illinois counties already have been identified this year as carrying the virus that causes rabies. In Central Illinois, two were found in McLean County and one in Cumberland County.

Sometimes a wayward bat will find its way into a place of residence. Homeowners should not attempt to capture these creatures themselves, Arnold said. Rather, they should contact their local animal control agency.

Rabies, which affects mammals' nervous systems, is usually transmitted by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, but contact with a person's eyes, nose or mouth also can result in infection. In 2007, state health officials identified 113 bats across the state as rabid.

Arnold offered a set of tips for people to keep themselves, their pets and their children safe from bats and other potentially infected animals:

* Nocturnal animals seen out during the day, bats that seek shelter in a home or lawn and other animals acting in uncharacteristic fashion are likely to be rabid.

* Pet owners can start by ensuring their ferrets, dogs and cats are current with their rabies vaccinations. If pets come in contact with bats or other wild animals, make sure that they are seen by a veterinarian.

* People should alert animal control officials about any stray animals in their neighborhoods, and they should avoid placing items around their homes that could attract unwanted critter visitors.

* Parents can teach children to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals with the saying, "Love your own, leave other animals alone," and by educating them about the potential dangers.

For more information on bats, visit www.idph.state.il. us/envhealth/pcbats.htm. For information on rabies, visit www.idph.state.il.us/ health/infect/reportdis/rabies.htm.

agetsinger@herald-review.com|421-6968