YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. — No explanation as to why the announcement took so long but Yosemite National Park just announce a dead big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) that was found outside the Curry Village Showerhouse on May 18, 2026, has tested positive for rabies.
Currently there is no known human contact with the bat has been reported. However, anyone who may have had direct contact with a bat in the Curry Village area on or around May 18 should contact the California Department of Health (CDPH) and a healthcare provider promptly to determine whether treatment is needed.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that is preventable with prompt medical care following a potential exposure. People can be exposed to rabies through a bite or scratch of an infected animal. Bat bites and scratches can be very small and may not always be visible or painful. Direct contact with a bat also includes on top of clothing or if a wing brushes the skin or hair. Any direct contact with a bat, alive or dead, should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
The park is working with CDPH and the National Park Service Office of Health and Safety and Wildlife Health Branch regarding this case. The last rabies-positive bat discovered in the park was in July 2025. To protect visitor safety and park wildlife, visitors must never touch or handle bats or other wild animals, whether they are dead or alive. If you encounter a bat, keep a safe distance and report it immediately to park staff.
Key Facts & Safety Information
- Public Health Risks: Rabies is present in Yosemite. While only a very small percentage of bats test positive each year, any physical contact poses a serious risk of disease transmission.
- Ecological Importance: Yosemite is home to 17 species of bats that provide critical ecological and economic benefits to the park ecosystem.
- Wildlife Monitoring: As part of routine disease surveillance, park staff collect deceased bats with no known human contact to test for naturally circulating wildlife diseases.
If you suspect you or a pet had physical contact with a bat, inform park staff immediately. For detailed safety guidelines, consult the California Department of Public Health and the National Park Service (Bats and People) official websites.
