National Park Service Seeks Woman Who Got Bat Caught in Hair After Animal Tests Positive for Rabies

The National Park Service is trying to warn an unidentified woman after a bat that later tested positive for rabies swooped down on her head.

According to an August 12 press release, a woman who was at Olympic National Park near Staircase Bridge on August 9 reported that a bat came down at her and managed to temporarily get caught in her hair.

“This individual is at risk for rabies and should seek healthcare immediately,” the release warned, adding the bat had been a nuisance that day, having dive-bombed multiple parkgoers.

Officials urged anyone else who believes they or their pets had contact with the bat that day to get medical attention.

The release notes that rabies is a deadly virus that can affect any mammal. However, bats are reportedly the most common carrier of rabies. The virus can be spread through saliva as well as any bites or scratches, per the release.

“Bat bites and scratches can be very small and may not always be visible or painful, so anyone who believes they may have had direct contact with a bat should speak with a healthcare provider immediately to evaluate their risk of rabies exposure,” the release reads. “Rabies is preventable if prompt, appropriate medical care is received following an exposure.”

According to the CDC, early warning signs that someone has contracted rabies include flu-like symptoms, discomfort or itching sensations near the bite site as well as mental symptoms like anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, having lots of saliva, being thirsty but averse to fluids and even aggression.

Rabies is fatal if left untreated.