Rabid Bat Discovered Near UW Seattle, Public Advised to Act
WHO:
Seattle Times - Public Health – Seattle & King County officials reported the discovery of the bat.
KOMO - Jocelyn Mullins is a veterinarian at Public Health – Seattle & King County.
WHAT:
Seattle Times - A bat tested positive for rabies.
KOMO - The bat was found on a sidewalk and was euthanized by an animal control agency.
KOMO - Public Health received multiple calls about the bat and directed people to contact animal control.
Seattle Times - Individuals who may have come into contact with the bat are advised to call public health at 206-296-4774 for medical evaluation.
WHERE:
Seattle Times - The bat was found on University Way Northeast, between Northeast 41st and Northeast 42nd streets, near Parrington Lawn, close to the University of Washington.
KOMO - The area is described as a busy location with many businesses.
WHEN:
Seattle Times - The bat was found on Wednesday, July 15.
Seattle Times - The bat tested positive for rabies on Friday.
KOMO - The bat was euthanized on Thursday.
WHY:
Seattle Times - Rabies is life-threatening once symptoms appear, making early identification of contact important.
KOMO - Rabies can be treated if caught before symptoms appear.
HOW:
Seattle Times - Contact with the bat includes touching it, being bitten or scratched, or having any bare skin contact with the bat or its saliva.
KOMO - Public Health officials are urging anyone who may have touched the bat to seek medical help immediately.
(UPDATED July 18, 2026 10:21 UTC)
Public Health officials in Seattle and King County have reported that a bat found on University Way Northeast tested positive for rabies. The bat, which was discovered on a busy sidewalk near the University of Washington, was euthanized by animal control after multiple calls were received about it. Individuals who may have come into contact with the bat are urged to call public health at 206-296-4774 for a medical evaluation, as rabies can be treated if addressed before symptoms develop.