LIVE RABID BAT AT SCHOOL SPURS SEARCH FOR MORE; CHARLOTTE COUNTY ISSUES A 30-DAY RABIES ALERT FOR A ZONE SURROUNDING PUNTA GORDA MIDDLE SCHOOL.(LOCAL/STATE)

Byline: David Green STAFF WRITER

Despite a welcome sign in front of Punta Gorda Middle School that reads, "Home of the Mighty Eagles," authorities think hundreds of bats - some rabid - also have made their home in the building.

Officials inspected the school Friday morning, searching for a bat colony under the roof. No bats or bat droppings were found.

"I smelled them," said Dr. Jerry Gingerich, an area veterinarian who has studied bats extensively. "It's a pungent, almost smothering odor."

The search was prompted by the discovery of a live bat on the steps near the school's gym Thursday.

The bat later tested positive for rabies - …