It is recommended that such animals be picked up with a shovel or similar tool. Thick gloves also add protection. Children especially need to be taught never to handle wild animals regardless of how cute they may appear. If there is any possibility that a person or pet may have had contact with the bat, such as waking up to find a bat in the room or finding a small child or pet alone with a bat, the bat should be safely captured for testing. Wait until the bat lands, place a coffee can or box over it and slide a piece of cardboard underneath and tape it down securely.
Bats can escape through very small openings.
So far it appears that there may be a slightly higher percentage of bats with positive rabies tests this year compared to Colorado's typical rate of 15 percent. An additional 11 tests are pending. Most of the animals tested for rabies have been bats, but there have also been a few skunks, raccoons, a dog and a cat. Only the bats have tested positive. Statewide, 22.6 percent of bats submitted for testing this year after contact with people or animals have tested positive, according to John Pape, state health department epidemiologist.