What do I do if I find a bat in my house?
Q. I woke up in the middle of the night to a strange flapping sound in my bedroom, it was bat. What should I do?
Joe Labuda, Downers Grove
A. Please know that if you find a bat in your living quarters you have been potentially exposed to rabies. That is the assumption, so all bats found in your immediate living quarters (not an attic or outside) must be captured, collected and tested for rabies and not released.
The head must be preserved for testing and not damaged during capture and collection. Once captured, the bat must be delivered to Animal Control as soon as possible to ensure as viable a specimen as possible.
Do not touch the bat yourself, call your local police department, or if in an unincorporated area of DuPage County call Animal Control at (630) 407-2800. After the bat has been collected, Animal Control will deliver the bat for testing. We will only notify you if the bat tests positive for rabies.
Due to the potential risk, if the bat is released or destroyed improperly you and your family will be required to undergo post exposure vaccinations. This is not only an unpleasant series of shots but there is also a shortage of the vaccine this summer season.
Rabies is a deadly virus. Remember also to have your pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Even your indoor cats are not immune from exposure so have them vaccinated. It is not only the law but the prudent thing to do.
• Kerry Vinkler is director of DuPage County Animal Care and Control. To submit a question, e-mail animalcontrol@Dupageco.org; send a letter to 120 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187; visit www.dupageco.org/animalcontrol; or call (630) 407-2800.