First Rabies Positive Bat of the Season and Rabies Prevention Reminders

A bat found inside a residential home has tested positive for rabies, marking the first rabiespositive
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 (FCCHD) 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 followup—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. Avoiding contact with bats and keeping pets up to date on rabies
vaccinations are essential steps in protecting our community,” said Health Officer Jen Rankosky.
To ensure FCCHD can test a bat for rabies, the brain/head must be intact and must be refrigerated until
submitted for testing (do not freeze). Further instructions for safely capturing a bat for testing are
available on the FCCHD rabies information page. Call the Flathead City-County Health Department-
Communicable Disease line at 406-751-8117 to discuss potential rabies exposure and proper
procedures.
Lastly, FCCHD reminds everyone of the following rabies prevention tips:
 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 your 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.
 Bat-proof your house. 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.