A dead bat (not pictured here) found at Olympic National Park has tested positive for rabies / NPS file

A dead bat found in the breezeway of Quinault Lodge on August 30, 2024, at Olympic National Park in Washington state has tested positive for rabies. This occurred one day after report of a bat in the area vocalizing and having difficulty flying. No known human contact has been reported with the bat.  

Any bat that allows you to approach it, is unable to fly, is active during the day, or is found in an unusual place may be sick or rabid and should never be handled. Do not touch or handle ANY wild animal, dead or alive, especially bats. If you see a wild animal in distress, contact a Park Ranger or the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Office. 

In addition, public health officials recommend the following to keep you and your family safe from rabies:  

• Keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccines. This is the best way to protect your pets if they encounter a rabid wild animal. If your cat or dog has been bitten or scratched, especially by a wild animal, call your pet’s veterinarian even if the wound is superficial. 
• Horses and other livestock should also be considered for rabies vaccination to protect. 
• Stay away from wild or unfamiliar animals. Do not attempt to feed, approach, or touch wild animals (alive or dead). Teach this important message to your children and always keep a close eye on your kids. 
• If you or someone you know are bitten by an animal that may be infected with rabies, or come into contact with an animal’s saliva, wash the exposed site immediately with soap and water. Be sure to report the contact to your local health department and seek medical care as soon as possible.   

Bats are important parts of the ecosystem, consuming large quantities of insects like mosquitoes and insects that can damage crops or forests. They also pollinate plants and disperse seeds.  A small percentage of bats have rabies, which they can transmit to people, usually by exposing people to saliva through a bite or scratch. Rabies can be prevented in humans if you seek immediate medical care, but rabies is fatal if left untreated. Rabies is often fatal to bats, too. If you have questions about possible contact with a bat, contact your healthcare provider or call your local health department (https://doh.wa.gov/about-us/washingtons-public-health-system/washington-state-local-health-jurisdictions).