FROM STAFF REPORTS

Experts confirmed that a dead bat found near two playgrounds at Inverness Elementary School on Oct. 2 was infected with rabies.

Shelby County Schools spokeswoman Cindy Warner confirmed last week that the bat was found by a gym class walking outside the school.

A teacher raked the bat into a box and immediately contacted animal control.

The bat was transported to the state laboratory for tests that came back positive for rabies.

Maintenance workers at the school combed the ground for other infected animals on Oct. 4 after the tests came back positive, Warner said.

No other infected animals were found near the school.Warner said the school system would likely bring in an animal specialist to take a second look at the school grounds and surrounding area.

There were no reports of any other animals having been found to have rabies at press time