News Release

Three Bats Test Positive for Rabies at Wind Cave National Park

Three bats recently tested positive for rabies at Wind Cave National Park. Typically, less than 1% of bats in nature have rabies, but it is a serious disease that is fatal in animals and humans without prompt medical care.

News Release Date: June 16, 2026

Contact: MWR Communications

HOT SPRINGS, S.D. – Since May, Wind Cave National Park has identified three bats that tested positive for rabies. The first was found deceased near the Elevator Building on May 5, while the second, discovered near the Visitor Center’s entrance on May 28, was alive but unable to fly. The third bat was found deceased at the park’s campground. Fortunately, there have been no reported instances of visitors contacting these bats. Resource management staff with personal protective equipment collected the animals for testing.
 
Rabies is a fatal, but preventable viral disease if prompt medical care is received following a potential exposure. Rabies in humans is contracted by exposure to a rabid animal, typically through a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva. Any direct contact with a bat (alive or dead) is considered a potential rabies exposure because bites and scratches from bats can be harder to detect. More information about rabies can be found on the South Dakota Department of Health website.
 
The park is working with South Dakota Department of Health and the National Park Service’s Office of Health and Safety and Wildlife Health Branch on this issue. This coordinated effort underscores the park’s commitment to public health and safety while keeping visitors informed and protected. The last rabies-positive bat discovered in the park was in 2019, which was an isolated case.
 
If you believe you or your family members (including pets) had contact with a bat, please contact the South Dakota Department of Health at 1.800.592.1861, along with your medical provider.
 
For more information please visit www.nps.gov or call 605-745-4600.