Are Bats Dangerous?
Because of their colourful presence in books and film at the turn of the 20th century, many people still think nature's only flying mammals are out to get them. Fortunately, the vast majority of bats are uninterested in being near people. Even vampire bats that live in parts of Central and South America are incapable of inflicting more harm than simple cuts on human extremities. Because bats are mammals, however, they can carry rabies. In fact, somewhere between one and ten percent carry the disease at any given time. Rabies is a serious and life-threatening disease and exposure to it should be avoided at all costs. This is why you should never approach or handle a wild animal, especially if it is behaving unnaturally. Even contact as insignificant as a scratch or nip can transmit rabies in its deadly form. If you believe you may have been exposed, see a doctor for a vaccine as soon as possible.
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