As if we don't have enough things to worry about — marijuana's still not fully legal, our public colleges are charging private-school prices, and L.A. has the worst roads in the nation — county officials have announced that “rabid” bats are on the increase.

Look alive, people.

The county's Department of Public Health says the number of rabid bats in the county has more than doubled to 21 compared to an annual average of 10. Officials are warning you not to touch the critters:

One county resident was bitten when he/she (the county's not sayin') tried to (get this … ) “rehabilitate a sick bat.”

Obligatory bureaucratic quote:

“The reason for the increase in the number of rabid bats reported in L.A. County is unclear,” said county health chief Jonathan Fielding. ” … It is important that all county residents understand the potential dangers posed to themselves and their pets as most of these rabid bats have been found in and around homes.”

So, uh, don't do bat rehab at home. Get rabies shots for your pets. And if you see a strange bat, call animal control

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