Rabid bat attacks fisherman near Hailey

A fisherman on a tributary of the Wood River west of Hailey encountered an aggressive bat last weekend, and is now being treated for rabies after the bat tested positive for the fatal viral illness. It’s the second rabid bat of the season identified in Idaho; last year, there were eight.

The bat was aggressively flying around the man while he was fishing, and when he packed up to leave, he found it attached to his life vest, handled it and killed it. “Bats and other mammals can carry rabies, making it extremely important for people to avoid bats or other animals, wild or domestic, that may appear sick or are acting aggressive or in an abnormal manner,” said Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, deputy state epidemiologist. “People should not pick up or touch any bat. People should call their health care provider immediately if they have been bitten or scratched by a bat. Medical therapy administered to people soon after a possible rabies exposure is extremely effective in preventing rabies.”

The first rabid bat found in Idaho this year was found in Shoshone County in March; here’s a link to the full announcement from Idaho Health & Welfare.