I was given this information by a public health doctor after catching a bat that landed between my undershirt and shirt. It was still daylight and I was able to catch the bat. I was going to keep it as a pet but my wife (obviously smarter than myself) called animal control. They wanted us drive the bat to an animal shelter immediately, even though it was a Sunday.

The following day the health department doctor called to let us know the bat was rabid. He asked if I had been bitten or scratched by the bat or if I had any cut or wounds the bat’s saliva could have gotten into. I didn’t think so, but it was my back. I asked if I should just get the rabies shots. He explained it required a series of shots that were, quite painful, could kill you or give you encephalitis and make you a vegetable. After detailing all the dire problems with the shots he also said, “On the other hand, if you contract rabies you will die”. Rabies can travel though the lymph system and take up to six months to show up, but then it is too late. I had my doctor do a careful exam of my back, he found no cuts or marks, but of course said it was up to me what to do next. I decided to forgo the shots and waited 6 months during which nothing happened. My wife and I were quite happy to see the six-month period of time pass.