Rabid bat gets caught in woman’s hair at Olympic National Park

A rabid bat swooped down and got caught in a woman’s hair at Olympic National Park near Staircase Bridge on Sunday afternoon around 2 p.m.

Park officials said the bat swooped down onto the unidentified woman. They believe she is at risk for rabies and should seek medical attention immediately.

The bat also swooped down on other people in the area, but it’s not known if any of them had direct contact with the bat.

“Anyone who may have had contact with a bat in the area (even if not bitten) should contact a healthcare provider and their local health department promptly to determine whether treatment is needed,” the park stated in a news release. “If you are concerned that your pet (i.e., pet dog) may have had direct contact with a bat, contacting your local veterinarian is recommended.”

Recommendations to avoid rabid bats

The park said you should never handle bats or any other wild animals.

“If you encounter a bat, dead or alive, keep your distance and notify park staff,” the release said.

Bats are the most common carriers of rabies, a deadly virus that can affect any mammal.

“It is usually transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or through contact with its saliva,” according to the release. “Bat bites and scratches can be very small and may not always be visible or painful, so anyone who believes they may have had direct contact with a bat should speak with a healthcare provider immediately to evaluate their risk of rabies exposure.”

Last month, King County Public Health officials put out a warning after a rabid bat was found on a busy sidewalk near the University of Washington campus.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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