Grand Teton National Park Guests Urged to Test for Rabies

Grand Teton National Park is alerting guests who stayed at the Jackson Lake Lodge after a bat colony was discovered in the attic above several rooms. While none of the bats tested have returned a positive result for rabies, park officials are taking precautionary measures to address the potential for exposure.

Dr. Alexia Harrist from the Wyoming Department of Health explained that, while individual bats from the colony have tested negative for rabies, “Even if we tested every single bat that might still be there, we can’t guarantee there wasn’t a rabid bat there at some point.”

Grand Teton National Park park sees around 3.4 million recreation visits annually, with the Jackson Lake Lodge being a major attraction within the park. Photo: Flickr

Officials are contacting visitors who stayed in specific rooms between May 15 and July 27. The outreach is to determine if guests may have had contact with a bat and assess if they should seek medical attention. Rabies, a serious viral disease, is almost always fatal if left untreated, so fast action is essential for anyone who may have been bitten or scratched, even if they are unsure.

The park is reminding all visitors to be cautious around wildlife and avoid handling bats. If a bat is acting strangely, like being active during the day or on the ground, it should be reported to park staff immediately. These behaviors can be a sign of illness.