06/10/2026
We have received several reports of bat exposure. Like all mammals, bats can contract rabies, but the risk of their infecting humans is slight. As a precaution against disease, do not handle a live bat. If you are bitten by a bat, wash the area immediately with hot soapy water and contact a physician. If possible, capture the bat without damaging the head (wear heavy leather gloves or scoop it up with a shovel) and place it in a jar or plastic bag and refrigerate so it can be tested by health officials.
See the following links regarding exposure and suggestions for securing your home: https://mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/nuisance-problem-species/bat-control
https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/rabies/toolkit.php
Body Typically, fifteen species of bats (Order Chiroptera) can be found in Missouri. Some occur statewide and some only regionally. A number are year-round residents but others are here seasonally. These beneficial mammals consume tons of insects daily and some act as plant pollinators. Conflicts ca...