A bat inside a Golden Valley home in July has tested positive for rabies after the homeowners found it flying around their living room, according to Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Minnesota.
When inspectors went to check out the attic, they found a colony of bats that had been accessing the home through gaps around the fireplace.
One of the wildlife technicians noticed that one bat was acting aggressively by biting another bat which prompted the bats to be tested for rabies at the University of Minnesota.
Between July 14-16, seven bats were found inside the home and removed.
Health officials say that any bat found indoors should be treated as a possible public health risk.
“The discovery reinforces why homeowners should never attempt to handle bats themselves,” said Matt Sanders, owner and operator of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control Minnesota. “A bat inside your home is more than just a wildlife issue—it can also become a serious health concern.
What you can do
If a bat gets inside your home, experts with Skedaddle say you should not touch it our let it go. They say you should keep the bat confined to the room its in and pets should also be kept away before calling a qualified wildlife professional or local animal-control agency.
Skedaddle also says that August is peak bat season in the Twin Cities as young bats begin to leave maternity colonies and are more likely to end up inside homes.
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