Minneapolis Health Officials Search for Woman Who Handled Rabid Bat in Downtown

Key points

• A bat found on Hennepin Avenue between North Washington Avenue and North Third Street in downtown Minneapolis tested positive for rabies.
• The bat was discovered around noon on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and was later handed off to a passerby for testing.
• Health officials are seeking a 25-to-30-year-old White woman, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, with curly brown hair, who was seen crouching over the bat and placing it in a bag.
• The woman was accompanied by a curly-haired golden retriever-like dog during the incident.
• The Minnesota Department of Health warns that bat bites may not leave a mark or cause pain, making exposure difficult to detect.
• Officials advise anyone who touched the bat to call 911 to reach Animal Care and Control and consult a healthcare provider immediately.

Background

This incident follows a series of rabies alerts across the United States in 2026, including incidents at Olympic National Park, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and in Bismarck, North Dakota. These events have prompted public health officials to emphasize the importance of avoiding contact with wild animals and ensuring pets are vaccinated. The recurring theme in these cases is the critical need for early medical intervention, as rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop but is highly preventable through prompt treatment.

Why it matters

The search for the woman who handled the rabid bat highlights the significant public health risks associated with unreported animal exposures. Because bat bites can be painless and leave no visible mark, individuals may not realize they have been exposed, delaying life-saving treatment. This case underscores the importance of public vigilance and immediate medical consultation for any potential contact with wild animals, particularly bats, which are the primary source of human rabies cases in the U.S.

What to watch

The Minnesota Department of Health will continue its search for the woman seen handling the bat to assess her risk of exposure. Public health officials will likely issue further guidance on rabies prevention and encourage residents to report any unusual animal behavior. The CDC may also provide additional resources or updates on rabies trends in the coming months, given the recent increase in inquiries.