Officials: 2 Bats Found In Minneapolis Test Positive For Rabies

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Minneapolis Animal Care and Control is warning residents after two rabid bats were found in the city in the last five weeks.

Animal Control picked up a rabid bat Wednesday near the intersection of Glenwood Avenue and Logan Avenue North. Another bat with rabies was collected May 23 near the corner of Emerson Avenue South and West 25th Street.

"You see different animals, but usually not bats, especially during the day," Adam Bryant said.

Last week, a woman called Animal Control after finding a bat in a container near Bryant's North Minneapolis home. It tested positive for rabies.

"It is a little concerning. Outside this door at night there are bats that just fly around randomly," said Bryant.

It's the second time in five weeks a rabid bat was found. The first discovery was made in the Lowry Hill neighborhood.

A man found the animal lying on the ground outside an apartment complex. He picked it up and put it in a box. By doing so, Animal Control says he exposed himself to rabies and is receiving a series of vaccinations.

"You don't always know if you were bitten by a bat. Their teeth are super sharp," said Meghan Anderson, with the Minneapolis Animal Care and Control.

She said bats transmit rabies to humans through their saliva and if a person doesn't get help, the disease is fatal. Rabies impacts the central nervous system and some of the symptoms are aggression, confusion, seizures and paralysis.

"They get in through open windows, or a lot of times air conditioning units that are in windows, or the fans, through vents," Anderson said.

That's why she recommends keeping an eye on those openings and closing them if you can. If you see a bat, don't touch it and don't allow your pets to touch it. Anderson said you should call 311 for help.

"It's going to not be able to fly, on the ground, outside in the daytime. Not acting normal," Anderson said.

Experts say you can't always feel or even see a bat bite. If you wake up in a room where a bat is found, talk to your doctor right away. Anderson also recommends making sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies.

For more information, visit the Minnesota Board of Animal Health's website.