AboutStephen Vantassel Expertise I can assist the public in responding to all kinds of wildlife related problems in the United States and Canada, including birds, mice, rats, skunks, raccoons, beavers, opossums, voles, moles, chipmunks, woodchucks, pocket gophers, and more. My passion is wildlife damage identification, for if you don't know what animal is causing the problem, you can't begin to resolve it responsibly.
Experience I was a full time animal damage controller for over 5 years and a part-time animal damage controller for over 10. I have been a volunteer for AllExperts.com for over 5 years under the Pest Control Category, when they graciously created a new category that better suited my experience (I don't answer bug questions). I was a licensed animal controller in both Massachusetts, Connecticut and Nebraska. I presently run the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, http://icwdm.org.
Organizations National Wildlife Control Operators Association, Community Integrated Pest Management group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Publications I have published two books (both revised), The Wildlife Removal Handbook rev. ed. and the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook rev. ed. Additionally, I have written articles which have appeared in Wildlife Control Technology Magazine, Fur-Fish & Game, The Trapper, The Fur Taker, The Probe, and others. I have co-authored wildlife related publications for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension program and was responsible for revising the handbook designed for the Pest Controllers looking to obtain their category 14 license.
Education/Credentials I was a trapper education instructor for the state of Massachusetts, and have attended a variety of conferences and trainings.
Awards and Honors Certified Wildlife Control Operator
Question QUESTION: Hello: I live in Winnipeg,and last nite after dark,I stepped outside the front door without turning the overhead light on.Something brushed by my forehead,and I later found a very small,possibly self-inflicted,wound in the skin of my forehead.I cleaned it with the only thing on hand,some after shave.
I called the local hospital,and the physician who took my call didn't seem too concerned,and said bats don't reside in the city,and said it might have been a large insect.Of course,my primary concern is rabies.
My theory is that a small bird or bat was resting in the overhead light fixture outside my front door,and was spooked when I opened the door,although I didn't hear it cry in alarm as it flew off.
Do bats,to your knowledge, ever spend the night under urban eaves,etc? Apparently,Manitoba is home to several species of bats.
Thanks!
ANSWER: I would like to know how the doctor knows that no bats reside in your city. ABsolutely bats can rest under eaves. They do so after feeding to let their food digest before flying and hunting some more.
I would talk to an infectious disease specialist who has more knowledge about rabies just to be sure.
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QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply,Stephen.My physician talked with two infectious disease experts here,and they didn't recommend shots.I forgot to ask you one other question: Do bat bites have a distinctive pattern? I am assuming that they would leave double puncture marks.
Thanks!
Answer I am not aware of any research on this matter. The problem is, distinctive pattern can only be concluded when one has perfect bites. Since a bat could bite with one set of fangs as well as both sets, how would one know it was a bat if only one set was found? The best one would have would be an educated guess.
Ultimately, you have to make a decision. First, was the creature a bat? If no, then you should have little to be concerned about. If yes, then you have to ask, were you scratched by a wing? or bitten?
Tough call. I think you should have a heart to heart talk with your physician. Pros and cons. Your doctor should inform you of the potential risks of taking the vaccine too.
I wish I could help you make a firm decision. But I am not a physician so I can't give medical advice. All I can do is help provide information and resources so that you can make an informed decision in consultation with medical personnel.
If you wish to have another opinion, you could try the Centers for Disease Control here in the states. http://cdc.gov
