By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles & Tristan Tuckett - @TristanTuckett

Increase in Human Encounters with Bats in Southern Alberta

Jul 19, 2016 | 12:08 PM

LETHBRIDGE – There has been an increase in the number of interactions between people and bats reported in the South Zone.

In 2016 until the end of June, there have been six referrals to Alberta Health Services for bat exposures. In the same time frame last year there were only three.

AHS officials attribute the higher number at least partially to the warm winter and early spring, which caused bats to come out of hibernation earlier. The first bat in 2015 was reported in June, whereas in 2016 the first bat was reported in April, with three more reported in May.

While most bats don’t carry rabies, they are one of the few animals in our province that can transmit the disease to humans and pets, so you’re asked to avoid them if possible. Bats infected with rabies may be more aggressive and show no fear of humans, possibly biting, which can spread the infection.

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms start to appear, meaning if you come in direct contact with a bat or if you find one in a closed room with a sleeping person, you should contact the public health office in Lethbridge immediately at 403-388-6690.

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In humans, the initial symptoms include fever and feeling unwell with pain or an unusual or unexplained tingling, pricking or burning sensation at the wound site. That can be followed by a range of symptoms including hyperactivity, restlessness, delirium, gradual paralysis of muscles, leading to coma and death. In some case symptoms may take several months to develop after being bitten.

The last reported fatal case of rabies in a human in Alberta was in 2006. That individual was bitten by a bat and did not seek or receive treatment.

Bats generally roost in caves, however they may also roost in and around your home, under decks, in attics and in sheds and barns.