BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is alerting residents in Bismarck that since Aug. 20, 2026, two bats have tested positive for rabies within city limits and urges residents to take precautions and report unusual bat activity.
Both bats were collected after dogs had contact with them, and no human exposures were reported.
In the past five years, no bats have tested positive in Burleigh County. Most animal rabies cases reported to HHS are sporadic and occur across the state, and having two positive rabies cases from one area in a short period of time is unusual. In North Dakota, four bats have tested positive for the disease in 2026.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal if not treated promptly. Humans can contract the disease through bites or scratches from infected animals. Other animals, such as dogs and cats, can also become infected if exposed to a rabid animal, especially if unvaccinated. Rabies is 100% preventable in people when treated promptly and appropriately.
Increased bat activity occurs in late summer and early fall as bats migrate and build fat reserves for the winter months. Additionally, juvenile bats learning to navigate the landscape may lead to increased presence near homes and businesses.
HHS, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture advise residents to take the following precautions to avoid bat contact and prevent rabies:
- Look for unusual bat behaviors such as being active during the day, laying on the ground unable to fly, or having direct contact with a human or a pet which may indicate rabies.
- Contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department if you find a dead bat so it can be collected for rabies testing.
- Safely capture bats that have had contact with a person or pet, were in a room where someone was sleeping, or were in a room with a child. Never handle bats with bare hands. Wearing thick gloves, place the bat in a rigid plastic container or double Ziploc bag and call HHS for further direction.
- Seal small holes in siding or roofing, cap chimneys, use screens on windows and vents, and keep doors to the outside closed. Bats can fit through tiny openings as small as one-quarter inch.
- Wear leather gloves, long sleeves and pants when cleaning an attic, barn, outbuilding or cabin where bats may be present.
- Vaccinate all pets against rabies.
- Report suspected colonies of bats to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
All human exposure questions can be referred to HHS at (701) 328-2378. If your pet has been exposed to a bat, please contact your veterinarian for recommendations or the North Dakota Department of Agriculture at (701) 328-2231. Contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department with questions about wild animals and rabies at (701) 328-6300.
For more information visit hhs.nd.gov/rabies.