What to do if bats are encountered on Offutt Air Force Base Published Sept. 13, 2008 By 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Bat encounters historically increase in early fall and this year is no different. Some species are native to this area and are present year-round, while others may be migrating through. Everyone who lives or works on Offutt Air Force Base should know what actions to take to minimize the potential for having an encounter with bats and what to do if they come in contact with one. Bats are known carriers of rabies and while there are confirmed cases of bats testing positive for the disease in the local area, no bats have tested positive for rabies on Offutt AFB. Precautions: The best practice is to avoid the times and preferred locations of bats. These nocturnal animals are most likely encountered at dusk when they leave their roosting areas to feed on insects and when they return to roost at dawn. Leave only doors and windows with screens open at home and work during peak bat times to minimize the chance of one flying in. Exposure: If someone comes in direct contact with a bat or is not sure if they did, treat as a potential exposure and seek medical evaluation immediately. Exposure may be in the form of a bite, scratch or other contact. If a bat is found in the same room with someone who may be unaware or unable to communicate exposure (i.e. waking from a sound sleep, a child, a person with disabilities, or an intoxicated person), treat these instances as exposures and seek medical attention. Actions if bats are encountered: If bats enter the home or workplace on Offutt AFB, secure the area and call base civil engineering for base facilities or Rising View for base housing to capture the bat. These agencies will contact the Nebraska Humane Society to remove and determine if further actions are needed. Quick reference numbers if a bat is encountered: Public Health: 294-9361 (after hours 871-7416) Acute Care Clinic (or nearest emergency room): 294-7333 Rising View: 991-9820 55th Civil Engineer Squadron Customer Service: 294-6101 (after hours 294-3301)