A Rabid Bat Has Been Discovered In Kalamazoo, Here’s Where

A Rabid Bat Has Been Discovered In Kalamazoo, Here’s Where

Canva

The last thing anybody ever wants to encounter is a rabid animal, considering rabies is one of the things that we have very little defense against. It is considered a fatal disease, and unfortunately, there is no treatment that can be done once you are infected.

There was a recent incident on May 10 where a resident discovered a bat that was on the ground, and the Kalamazoo County government has confirmed that the bat does have rabies. In a press release, they detailed the incident that took place last weekend:

WBCKFM logo
Get our free mobile app

The bat was spotted on the ground during the day on Saturday, May 10, and was placed under a container. The person who found the bat then notified the Kalamazoo County Animal Services & Enforcement Department, which safely collected the bat for testing. The Kalamazoo County HCS Communicable Disease team was notified on May 14 that the bat tested positive for rabies.

Kalamazoo County Health Officer Jim Rutherford is urging residents that contact with any bat is something they want to avoid, considering that once signs of rabies are brought on, it's almost 100% fatal:

Direct contact with any bat should be avoided. Anyone who may have been in contact with a bat at Ramona Park recently should notify our office so we can discuss the next steps.

They've also given some tips to avoid being at risk to get rabies:

  1. Report all exposures to wildlife or unfamiliar animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
  2. Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, or foxes to visit your premises.
  3. Vaccinate your pets against rabies.
  4. Do not feed your pets outside, leave trash uncovered, or do anything that may attract wild animals to your property.

As of this date, there have been 4 bats discovered in Michigan in 2025 that have rabies. One in each of Kalamazoo, Allegan, Isabella, and Menominee counties, according to Michigan.gov, but there are many more out there.

12 Animals You Must Report If You Hit Them in Michigan

Ever hit an animal while driving in Michigan? Well, it turns out some of them need to be reported. We'll break down the animals you have to call in if you hit them. It’s not just about doing the right thing; it’s also about avoiding any legal issues.

So, who do you call? If you hit one of these animals, you’ll want to contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or local law enforcement. If it’s an actual emergency, call 911; otherwise, just dial the non-emergency number. They’ll handle the situation and make sure everything's squared away. Just don’t forget to report it.

Gallery Credit: Tony LaBrie

10 Animals You Can’t Own As Pets In Michigan

Some people really want to have an exotic pet in their home, but very rarely is it a good idea. And if you are looking to add a wild animal to your family, check out this list of animals you can not own as pets in Michigan.
Filed Under: Kalamazoo, K-Zoo View, Kalamazoo News
Categories: Articles

More From WBCKFM