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Woman Bitten By Rabies-Infected Bat At Death Valley National Park

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Published Date

May 4, 2023

A Western pipistrelle bat, one of nine species found in Death Valley National Park (not the bat referred to in this article) / NPS file

Here’s your friendly reminder to not handle the wildlife – especially if it’s acting strangely or not afraid of humans.

A woman was bitten by a bat while trying to move it off a garbage can outside the gas station at Stovepipe Wells Village in Death Valley National Park on Friday, April 28. The bat has since tested positive for rabies. The woman has no symptoms and is undergoing treatment.

If you may have had contact with this bat, please contact Inyo County Health Department at 760-873-7868.

Rabies is usually fatal, unless treated before symptoms begin. Humans can get rabies through contact with an infected animal’s saliva, such as a bite or scratch. Any mammal can carry rabies. People should be especially concerned with an animal behaving aggressively or exhibiting no fear of humans.

At least nine species of insect-eating bats live in Death Valley National Park. Typically, less than one percent of bats have rabies. Bats – and all other native wildlife – are protected within the park.

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