Bat activity naturally increases in the summer and fall. Approximately 5-10% of bats in our area carry the rabies virus, which is almost always fatal.
If you find a bat in your house, or you have been directly exposed (e.g. handling), or your pet has found a bat, please take the following steps:

• Wear thick gloves and capture the bat, if possible
  
• Put the bat in a plastic zip lock and place in freezer
  
• Call the Health Department during regular business hours (M-F 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.)
  
• If you are unable to capture the bat, call the Health Department for more information.
  More:
  
• Hantavirus
  
• Ticks and tick-borne diseases
  
• Rabies
  
• Rats

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Administration and Environmental Health: (360) 336-9380 *
Nursing Clinics and Personal Health Services: (360) 336-9477 *
FAX: (360) 336 9401
*See Program and Services Guide for specific phone numbers and hours