Rabid bat bites through Death Valley worker’s glove when she moves it, rangers say

Helena Wegner
·1 min read
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A rabid bat bit a California national park worker through her gloves as she tried to move it, rangers said.

The concession worker was bit April 28 at Death Valley National Park, the National Park Service said in a May 3 news release.

The bat was “behaving strangely” when the worker spotted it on a garbage can outside of Stovepipe Wells General Store, officials said.

When she tried to move it, it bit her through her nitrile gloves, officials said.

Park officials found the bat, and it tested positive for rabies May 2. The worker was then treated for rabies, officials said.

Rabies spreads to humans through an infected animal’s saliva, such as by a bite or scratch.

“Any mammal can carry rabies. People should be especially concerned when an animal is behaving aggressively or does not show a normal fear of humans,” park officials said.

Anyone who was in contact with the rabid bat can contact Inyo County Health Department at 760-873-7868 for medical guidance.

Nine species of bats live at Death Valley National Park. Park officials said less than 1% of bats have rabies.

Staying safe around wildlife:

  • Wild animals should never be approached, touched, fed or picked up, park officials said. They can be watched from a safe distance.

  • If someone sees a sick, dead or erratic-acting animal, a park employee should be contacted.

  • A person’s doctor should be contacted if they have been in contact with an animal believed to be rabid, officials said.

  • Pets should also be kept on leashes.

  • Avoid mine openings where bats typically live.

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