An unidentified woman who had a rabid bat tangle in her hair at Olympic National Park on August 9, 2026, is being sought by health officials who warn she is at risk for rabies and should seek medical care immediately, according to the Park Service and the National Park Service public affairs office.
Rabid Bat Incident at Staircase Rapids Trail Bridge
The animal did not just target one person. According to the Park Service news release, the bat also swooped at other visitors in the area, leaving officials uncertain about whether other people had contact with the bat.
Why Small Bat Bites and Scratches Go Unnoticed
Bat bites and scratches can be tiny and may not be visible or painful.
Treatment is preventable if prompt, appropriate medical care is received following an exposure.
Statewide Rabies Statistics and Historical Context
While bats are the only mammals known to carry rabies in Washington, according to the state Department of Health, the vast majority of wild bats remain healthy and uninfected.
National Park Visitor Safety and Treatment Protocols
National parks across the country frequently manage similar wildlife incidents.
For people who may have been exposed, rabies is preventable with prompt treatment.
Did You Know? Bats play a vital role in our ecosystem and human well-being serving in pest control, pollination, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling, according to the Washington Department of Health.
Park visitors should not touch or handle bats, dead or alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a bat touches me at Olympic National Park?
Seek medical attention immediately and contact a healthcare provider and their local health department—such as the Mason County Health Department—to evaluate your exposure risk, according to park officials.
Are all bats infected with rabies?
No. Less than 1% of bats in the wild are believed to be infected, though bats are the most common carriers of rabies in Washington, according to the state Department of Health.
Is rabies curable after symptoms develop?
Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. However, the disease is preventable if prompt, appropriate medical care is received following an exposure, according to the National Park Service.