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| Above, a Townsend’s big-eared bat. Photo from NPS. |
Over the years, I've seen bats many times at national parks and campgrounds. They were a highlight at Carlsbad Caverns National Park when they left their caves to feed on insects at a nearby river.
They are fun to watch as they swoop to devour flying insects.
However, being that bats are mammals, they are susceptible to the rabies virus, which is deadly if untreated.
A colony of bats have taken residence at the Grand Teton National Park lodge's attic and visitors have been contacted.
According to RV Travel:
Wyoming health officials are checking for rabies risks after a bat colony was found in a lodge at Grand Teton National Park. The colony was discovered in the attic above eight guest rooms at Jackson Lake Lodge, a historic hotel and restaurant with views of the Teton Range.
Since early June, there have been eight reports of guests coming into contact with bats, and the affected rooms have been closed. While the Grand Teton National Park bat exposure is tied to lodge guests, even camping visitors should heed the tips listed below.
Most visitors to Grand Teton National Park are RVers or campers, and few if any stay overnight in the lodge. Still, Wyoming’s public health department says more than 230 bookings were made for the affected rooms between May 15 and July 27. Each booking likely included at least two people, coming from 38 states and seven countries. This, according to Wyoming state public health veterinarian Emily Curren.
All bats that were captured tested negative for rabies, Curren said. However, the risk is not completely gone.
To read more, go here.
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