Advisory tells visitors to Grand Canyon to be leery of rabid bats

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz, — The National Park Service is warning park visitors to use caution. According to the NPS, a bat found along the Colorado River tested positive for rabies.  

The NPS released an advisory earlier this week to warn visitors not to touch animals in case the contamination is spreading.

Officials advise anyone planning to hit the trails with their dogs to make sure they are up-to-date on their vaccines. Additionally, park officials urge people to report any wildlife behaving strangely. 

People who think they’ve been exposed to the virus should seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

A rabid bat transmits the disease through saliva. Humans can contract rabies through contact with an infected animal’s saliva through open skin such as a bite or scratch.

According to NPS, infected bats have been documented in 49 states. The NPS asks visitors to observe and appreciate wildlife from a safe distance. 

Related:

• Utah health officials confirm three cases of rabies in bats
• Bats in the house? Do’s and dont’s on removing them