The City of Martensville has posted on their web page that city officials were informed that on the afternoon of October 1st a Martensville resident was bitten multiple times on the neck by a bat, which may have been protecting its young. The individual has received the rabies vaccination.

The City advises residents to avoid contact with bats at all times and seek immediate help if bitten or scratched by a bat.

In the last week of September, the City of Warman reported that a bat carrying rabies was identified in Warman. They instructed residents that if you see a bat during daylight hours, keep your distance and contact animal control immediately.

CJWW News recently interviewed a Medical Health Officer with Saskatchewan Health Authority regarding bats and Dr. Simon Kapaj says bats have been making themselves known more and more in recent years. He notes that with communities growing in size more bats are finding places where they can survive, sometimes old buildings are one place, or cabins and other recreational facilities.

If you happen to get scratched or bitten by a bat, it’s important to seek medical attention, as bats can carry the deadly rabies virus. If you do need the rabies shot, Kapaj says there are no side effects, and it is 100 per cent effective.

Additional bat information resources:

– Ministry of Environment Inquiry Center – 1-800-567-4224

– Provincial Rabies Hotline – 1-844-772-2437