How to Safely Remove a Dead Bat From Your Michigan Property

I was just reading a report about someone finding a dead bat, and wondering what to do with it. Yikes!

Well, first of all, DON'T TOUCH IT!

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There was a wild conversation happening on Reddit/Michigan.com about this dead bat. One person wrote "Go ahead and eat it. What's the worst that could happen?"

Uh.....you die!

Someone else suggested sending it to the Tigers starting lineup. Not a bad idea.

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Seriously, this can be dangerous and you need to be very careful. The general consensus is that first you should call the DNR to notify them and also the Kent County Health Department.

👇 BELOW: EVERY THING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BATS! 👇

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While most bats are harmless, they can carry diseases such as rabies, making it crucial to handle them with caution.

The website iere.com is a good place to go to find out the proper way to deal with a dead bat. Here is what they say:

Gather Supplies: You will need:

Heavy-duty gloves (e.g., leather or rubber)
A shovel or tongs
A sealable plastic bag or container
Disinfectant (e.g., diluted bleach solution)

Put on Protective Gear: Always wear gloves to prevent direct contact with the bat.

Carefully Collect the Bat: Use the shovel or tongs to gently pick up the bat. Avoid touching it directly.

Seal the Bat: Place the bat in the plastic bag or container and seal it tightly.

Disinfect the Area: Thoroughly disinfect the area where the bat was found using a diluted bleach solution.

Wash Your Hands:

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Okay, now you have the bat but what do you do with it? iere.com says:

General Disposal: If you are certain the bat did not have any contact with humans or pets, you can dispose of it in your regular trash. Double-bag the sealed container for extra protection.
Testing for Rabies: If there’s a possibility the bat bit or scratched someone, or if a pet had contact, contact your local health department or animal control immediately. They may advise submitting the bat for rabies testing. Proper storage, usually refrigeration, is important until authorities arrive.
Burial: If allowed by local regulations, you can bury the bat. Dig a hole at least two feet deep and place the sealed container inside.

I'm sure it will be a lovely funeral. Be safe!