First rabies positive bat of the season found

A bat found inside a residential home tested positive for rabies, marking the first rabies positive animal reported in Flathead County in 2026. With summer approaching and bat activity increasing, the likelihood of human and pet encounters also rises. 

Most bats do not carry rabies, but laboratory testing is the only way to confirm infection. When a bat has had contact with a person or animal, the Flathead City-County Health Department covers the cost of testing.  

If the bat is not available and a bite, scratch, or direct contact occurred, the situation is treated as a rabies exposure, and appropriate follow‑up care, such as postexposure prophylaxis for people, is strongly recommended. 

Because bat bites may be difficult to detect, testing the bat is important whenever one is found in a room with a sleeping person, unattended child, or someone who may not be aware of contact. The bat should be safely captured and submitted for rabies testing. 

“We continue to see rabies in bats in our region, and this case reminds us that the risk remains present for both human and animal health,” said Health Officer Jen Rankosky. “Avoiding contact with bats and keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccinations are essential steps in protecting our community.” 

To ensure the county can test a bat for rabies, the brain/head must be intact and must be refrigerated, not frozen, until submitted for testing. Further instructions for safely capturing a bat for testing are available on the Flathead City-County Health Department rabies information page. Call its Communicable Disease line at 406-751-8117 to discuss potential rabies exposure and proper procedures.     

Do not feed or handle wild animals, especially bats.  Teach children never to touch wild animals or handle bats, even dead ones.  Ask children to tell an adult if they see or find a bat. 

Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies.  Cats are particularly susceptible to rabies exposure due to a higher risk of interaction with wild animals.  All dogs and cats are required to have a current rabies certificate in Flathead County.   

Place screens on all windows, doors and chimneys to prevent bats from entering. Prevent bats from roosting in attics or buildings by covering outside entry points. However, to avoid trapping any young bats who will die or try to make their way into your rooms, seal the openings permanently after August or in the fall after the bats have left for the season. 

Watch for abnormal wildlife behavior.  Most wild animals avoid humans, and seeing skunks and bats during the daytime is rare.  If you see an animal acting strangely, leave it alone and contact law enforcement or animal control if you think it may pose a danger.