Bats on the Rise and Rabies Risk | Vancouver News

Bats are on the rise in B.C.’s Interior Health region, with exposure reports skyrocketing from 35% of cases in 2024 to over 50% in 2025 — and rabies is the deadly concern. Though bat populations haven’t surged, more people are encountering them, possibly due to more outdoor time or heightened awareness after a tragic Ontario case. Bats can carry rabies without showing symptoms, and their tiny teeth often leave no visible bite. If you come into contact with a bat — even through clothing — wash the area for 15 minutes and seek immediate medical help. Rabies treatment works if started fast. Never handle a bat yourself; call the B.C. Community Bat Program instead. Stay safe — rabies is fatal once symptoms appear. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c42f5ddb2a194d21