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Grandpa Caver wrote:I've also had a couple experiences with obviously very sick bats. One I suspect was rabid and was actually attacking me allthough it seemed unable to fly. I dispachted it as humanely as possible and buried it in a nearby mud bank. I was just a "newbie" caver at the time. Had I known then what I know now I would have collected it (alive) and turned it in for testing.
Grandpa Caver wrote:Grandpa Caver wrote:I've also had a couple experiences with obviously very sick bats. One I suspect was rabid and was actually attacking me allthough it seemed unable to fly. I dispachted it as humanely as possible and buried it in a nearby mud bank. I was just a "newbie" caver at the time. Had I known then what I know now I would have collected it (alive) and turned it in for testing.
After rereading my post I feel I should justify my action. I had wedged myself into a very tight entrance into a very small room with only one arm free. There was no way to retreat and fend off the bats advances at the same time. It was literally in my face. I would brush it aside but it would continue its attack before I could resume my retreat. Was my reaction right or wrong? I dont know but thats how it happened.
Grandpa Caver wrote:Grandpa Caver wrote:I've also had a couple experiences with obviously very sick bats. One I suspect was rabid and was actually attacking me allthough it seemed unable to fly. I dispachted it as humanely as possible and buried it in a nearby mud bank. I was just a "newbie" caver at the time. Had I known then what I know now I would have collected it (alive) and turned it in for testing.
After rereading my post I feel I should justify my action. I had wedged myself into a very tight entrance into a very small room with only one arm free. There was no way to retreat and fend off the bats advances at the same time. It was literally in my face. I would brush it aside but it would continue its attack before I could resume my retreat. Was my reaction right or wrong? I dont know but thats how it happened.
Grandpa Caver wrote:Ok...back on topic...What is the proper way to handle a bat? I'll add the question; should an obviously sick bat be collected if rabies is suspected? It seems to me the proper authorities would want to know of it.
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