Bat found near Seattle’s Arboretum tested positive for rabies
Sep 26, 2025, 7:43 AM
A Grey-Headed Flying Fox flies past a rising full-moon. (Photo: Ian Waldie, Getty Images)
(Photo: Ian Waldie, Getty Images)
A bat that was found near the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle’s Montlake neighborhood tested positive for rabies.
The bat was first found on Sept. 23, according to Public Health – Seattle & King County, near residential homes on Boyer Ave. E.
“A King County resident found a note on their door indicating that two unknown people had given the bat water and alerting the resident to the sick bat,” Public Health – Seattle & King County stated.
The bat was euthanized the next day by an animal control agency. Public Health – Seattle & King County then tested the bat for rabies, receiving a positive test on Sept. 25.
Rabies is life-threatening but is treatable if caught early and treated before any symptoms develop. Anyone who may have had contact with this bat (even if not bitten) is at risk and should seek immediate medical evaluation.
“Public Health has not been able to identify the two people who provided water to the bat. To date, no other people are known to have been exposed to this bat,” Public Health – Seattle & King County continued. “If you had any contact with this bat, please call Public Health or seek medical evaluation immediately.”
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What to do if you find a bat
Public Health – Seattle & King County recommends that if anyone sees a bat outside, they should not touch the animal, and to contact animal control instead.
“If you find a bat inside your house, call Public Health at (206) 296-4774 to discuss the situation and to determine whether the bat needs to be tested for rabies,” Public Health – Seattle & King County stated.
Public Health – Seattle & King County tests bats for rabies at no charge under certain circumstances.
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