Olympic National Park warns of rabid bat encounter

The National Park Service has issued a warning to visitors of Olympic National Park following a rabid bat encounter near the Staircase Bridge. On August 9, a bat flew at several people and became briefly tangled in a woman's hair near the pedestrian suspension bridge over the North Fork Skokomish River.

Officials stated that the individual involved is at risk for rabies and should seek immediate medical attention and contact the Mason County Health Department. Because rabies is a fatal virus once symptoms appear, authorities urge anyone who believes they had direct contact with a bat to consult a healthcare provider, noting that bites or scratches can be small and difficult to see.

While the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife noted that rabies is relatively uncommon in local bat populations, officials emphasize the importance of avoiding contact to ensure public safety.