LAKELAND, Fla. — A woman looking through a bag of her children's toys found a rabid bat, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities said the incident happened last week at a home on Palm Drive West in Lakeland.

Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Officers responded, retrieved the bat and started a rabies investigation.

The bat was sent to the State Laboratory in Tampa, where it tested positive for rabies. The Florida Department of Health in Polk County is also involved in the case.

“Luckily this family's pet is vaccinated against this dangerous disease," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

"Please do not hesitate to contact us if you come into contact with sick, injured, or deceased wildlife.”