Hundreds may have been exposed to rabies from bat infestation in national park lodge

In Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park, a bat colony inside the Jackson Lake Lodge may have exposed at least 200 guests to rabies. The discoveries were made following eight reported incidents involving bats since June 2025. Wyoming public health officials, along with staff from Grand Teton National Park, have begun notifying affected individuals who stayed in the impacted rooms between May 15 and July 27. While tests for rabies on several bats were conducted, none returned positive results, although health officials acknowledged that the sample size represented only a fraction of potentially numerous bats inhabiting the attic. Concerns have also arisen related to visitation, as the affected guests are reported to have come from 38 U.S. states and seven different countries, heightening the risks tied to international travel. Although less than one percent of bats are found to carry rabies, health authorities are urging caution, especially for visitors who encountered bats during their stay, as rabies typically proves fatal if treatment is not administered promptly. Alongside healthcare interventions for guests, the National Park Service has initiated mitigation efforts within the lodge to manage the bat situation and safeguard future visitors. Following this alarming situation, preventative measures will be assessed for any guests at risk of rabies exposure.