# Rabid bat encounter in Olympic National Park

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rabid-bat-encounter-in-olympic-national-park
> Updated: 2026-08-20T05:29:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The National Park Service issued public health warnings following an encounter with a rabid bat near the Staircase Bridge in Olympic National Park. On August 9, a bat flew at several visitors and became briefly tangled in a woman’s hair near the pedestrian suspension bridge over the North Fork Skokomish River.

Authorities advised anyone who may have had direct contact with the animal—even without visible bites or scratches—to seek immediate medical attention and contact local health departments. Officials noted that while rabies is a fatal virus, it is preventable with prompt care. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife stated that although bats are vital to the ecosystem, rabies is relatively uncommon in local populations, affecting less than one in 20,000 bats.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Olympic National Park warns of rabid bat encounter

Olympic National Park officials have warned visitors of potential rabies exposure after a bat flew at several people and became tangled in a woman's hair near the Staircase Bridge.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympic-national-park-warns-of-rabid-bat-encounter

### 2026-08-12: Olympic National Park issues warning after rabid bat encounter

Rangers at Olympic National Park are warning visitors to seek medical attention after a rabid bat was found swooping at people near the Staircase Bridge.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympic-national-park-issues-warning-after-rabid-bat-encounter

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Cite as: Rabid bat encounter in Olympic National Park. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rabid-bat-encounter-in-olympic-national-park