Never touch a bat: What you need to know about bats and rabies

July 30, 2026.Reading time 9 minutes.

Any person or animal that touched or had contact with the bat or its saliva could be at risk of getting rabies. If you see a bat, don’t touch it! Bats lying on the ground, flying during daytime, making a lot of noise, or otherwise acting sick are more likely to have rabies.

Rabid bat found in Seattle near Washington Park Arboretum

September 25, 2025.Reading time 6 minutes.

A rabid bat was found in Seattle on September 23, 2025 near Washington Park Arboreteum. Anyone who might have had contact with this bat (even if not bitten) could be at risk and should seek medical evaluation immediately or call Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Two rabid bats found on the sidewalk near the corner of B Street NE and 3rd Street NE in Auburn

August 16, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

Auburn Animal Control services were notified the morning of August 13 of two bats (1 dead, the other appeared sick) on the sidewalk near the corner of B Street NE and 3rd Street NE in Auburn. Public Health conducted an investigation and did not identify anyone who had contact with the bats. The bats tested […]

Rabid bat found at Hollywood Hills Equestrian Park in Woodinville

July 9, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

A rabid bat was found near the arena seating at Hollywood Hills Equestrian Park in Woodinville, WA. Find out if you are at risk and what to do to prevent rabies.

What to do when you encounter a bat

May 24, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

Bats are an important part of our ecosystem, but it’s very important to leave them alone.

Seeking people exposed to rabid bat at UW

May 22, 2018.Reading time 1 minute.

A rabid bat was found near Husky Stadium at the University of Washington (UW) on Saturday, May 19, and at least one person was bitten. Multiple people were likely exposed to the rabid bat while attempting to help the individual remove the bat from his hand at a UW fraternity. If you may have had […]