Urgent Rabies Alert Issued for Grand Teton Visitors After Bat Colony Tests Positive at Jackson Lake Lodge

An urgent public health warning has been issued for visitors to Grand Teton National Park, specifically those who stayed at the historic Jackson Lake Lodge. The alert comes after a bat colony residing within the main building of the lodge tested positive for rabies, prompting immediate action from health officials and park authorities.

The Wyoming Department of Health and the National Park Service are urging anyone who visited or stayed at Jackson Lake Lodge between August 1 and August 17 to assess their potential exposure to bats.

If you had any direct contact with a bat – including a bite, scratch, or even simply touching the animal – or if a bat was found in your room while you were sleeping or with an unattended child, it is crucial to seek immediate medical consultation.

Rabies is a severe and almost universally fatal viral disease once symptoms appear.

However, it is entirely preventable with prompt medical attention following exposure. A series of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) shots can effectively prevent the virus from taking hold, making rapid response absolutely critical for anyone who may have been exposed.

Officials emphasize that even seemingly minor contact should not be dismissed.

Bats are the primary carriers of rabies in Wyoming, and their small teeth can make bites difficult to detect. The presence of a bat in an enclosed space with a sleeping individual or a child raises concerns because a bite might go unnoticed, especially if the person or child is unaware of the contact.

Grand Teton National Park and local health departments are actively working to manage the situation and inform the public.

While this specific incident focuses on the Jackson Lake Lodge, it serves as a broader reminder for all visitors to exercise caution around wildlife. Park visitors are strongly advised never to touch or approach bats or any wild animals. If you encounter a bat that appears sick, disoriented, or is found on the ground, do not touch it.

Instead, report its location to park staff immediately.

Furthermore, ensuring your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations is a vital preventative measure, especially when visiting areas where wildlife interactions are possible. This incident at Jackson Lake Lodge underscores the importance of awareness and swift action to protect public health against a serious, yet preventable, disease.