Rabid Bat Found in Downtown Minneapolis
A bat diagnosed with rabies was discovered in downtown Minneapolis.

Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, September 21, 2026 —
A bat later confirmed to have rabies was found in the downtown area of Minneapolis. The discovery has prompted attention to public health protocols regarding wildlife encounters.
Details surrounding the discovery, including the specific date, time, and precise location within downtown Minneapolis where the bat was found, were not immediately available. Information regarding the circumstances leading to the bat’s diagnosis or its subsequent handling was also not provided. The specific agency or individual responsible for the bat’s capture and subsequent testing has not been disclosed.
The presence of rabies in bats is a known public health concern. Rabies is a viral disease that can affect the nervous system of mammals, including humans. While bats are a common carrier of the rabies virus, not all bats have rabies. Public health officials typically advise against direct contact with wild animals, especially bats, due to the potential risk of disease transmission.
The specific protocol followed after the discovery, such as whether any public health advisories were issued or if any individuals may have had contact with the bat, has not been detailed. Further information regarding any testing conducted on potential human or animal contacts is also not publicly available at this time. This report is based solely on the information that a bat diagnosed with rabies was found in the downtown Minneapolis area. The extent of any public health implications or follow-up actions remains to be clarified.
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