(Emma Busk / Bureau of Land Management)The Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are encouraging people to avoid contact with bats to reduce the risk of rabies. Fortunately for Clatsop County, none of the cases have been local according to Clatsop County Public Health. Clatsop County is home to nine different species of the nocturnal animals, which can be seen flying through the county as night falls. Emilio DeBess, a public health veterinarian at OHA, said the more contact people have with bats, the more likely it is to get bit. If you or your pet is bitten by one, be proactive and report the exposure immediately to Clatsop County Public Health.