Olympic National Park issues warning after rabid bat encounter

Park officials at Olympic National Park have issued a warning following the discovery of a bat infected with rabies. On a Sunday afternoon near the Staircase Bridge, a bat swooped down onto a woman and became temporarily caught in her hair.

The National Park Service reported that the bat also swooped at other visitors in the vicinity, making it unclear how many people may have had contact with the animal. Authorities advise anyone who may have had direct contact with a bat in the area—even if they were not bitten or scratched—to contact a healthcare provider and their local health department immediately to determine if treatment is necessary.

Pet owners are also encouraged to contact a veterinarian if they suspect their animals had contact with a bat. While rabies is a deadly virus, officials noted that it is preventable with prompt medical care. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife stated that while bats are common in the state and vital to the ecosystem for pest control and pollination, less than one in 20,000 bats carries the virus.