Report Dead Bats

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Agriculture remind residents to avoid contact with bats and report dead bats to Game and Fish for rabies testing. 

Bat activity increases in late summer and fall as bats are actively migrating and building fat reserves to survive the winter months,” says Greg Schonert, Game and Fish conservation biologist. “Additionally, juvenile bats are learning to navigate the landscape, which sometimes leads to increased presence near homes and businesses.”

Bats can carry the rabies virus, a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal if not treated promptly.  Humans can contract the disease through bites or scratches from infected animals. 

Two bats recently tested positive for rabies in Burleigh County, prompting state agencies to remind the public to follow these precautions:

• Look for unusual bat behavior such as activity during the day, lying on the ground or having direct contact with a human or pet.
• Never handle bats with bare hands.
• Vaccinate all pets against rabies.

To report a dead bat or unusual bat behavior, contact the Game and Fish Department at (701) 328-6300.  All human exposure questions can be referred to Health and Human Services at (701) 328-2378. And if your pet has been exposed to a bat, contact your veterinarian for recommendations.