Three rabid bats have been found in the Coeur d’Alene area in recent weeks – an unusually high number so soon after the mammals have emerged from hibernation. “Generally we only see maybe three the whole year, sometimes not even that,” said Dave Hylsky, an epidemiologist with Panhandle Health District. The cluster of rabies cases has prompted health officials to remind people not to handle bats or any wild animals, and to make sure their pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date. Dogs, cats and ferrets should be vaccinated for rabies, as should horses, sheep and cattle, veterinarians say. “If the bat’s sick or out lying on the ground, you don’t want kids running up and touching it, which we’ve had,” Hylsky said/Scott Maben, SR. More here.

Describe a close encounter that you've had with a bat.