A rabid bat scare has parents in Cedar Park on their guard.

A health alert was sent out Thursday after a bat, discovered Monday on a playground, tested positive for rabies. The rabid bat was found moments after a group of 40 children had gone back inside the Twin Lakes YMCA building.

“Obviously we were in contact with animal control they took the bat, had it tested, and we immediately coordinated with them to provide any information they needed from us,” said Mike Forcucci, YMCA spokesperson.

The assistance included providing the names of all the children who were on the playground. The last child was cleared late Wednesday night.

“We were actually very fortunate that the bat was separated from the children,” said Laura Wise, Cedar Park animal control officer.

The YMCA put up warning notices. Member Delise Burlett got one Thursday morning.

"As soon as I heard about it, I was trying to think when did they find it and had we been there,” said Burlett.

Burlett’s 4-year-old daughter was not on the playground at the time the bat was found, but the incident still has her concerned. This is the time of year when bats return to Central Texas.

What happened at the “Y” is the second bat scare in this area within the past 30 days. In March, at Leander High School, a small colony was found roosting in the Performing Arts Center. Forty were captured. None of the bats tested had rabies.

“Probably this time of year you can expect to see more bats in general, as well as other wild-life, it is spring time, and as in any other time of year, we advise residents to never touch wildlife and if they see some that doesn’t look normal they should call animal control,” Wise said.

Parents are also urged to talk to their kids. Don’t assume they know.

Health officials take the situation seriously but also say there certainly is no need for panic. Just remember, there is no danger of getting rabies from a dead bat, as long as it is not handled.