Bats Are Acting Strange At Arches National Park. Here’s What You Should Know Before You Visit

Arches National Park is one of Utah’s most popular destinations. Not only is this national park a beautiful place to explore, but it also features natural arches and landscapes that are one of a kind. However, it isn’t just unique scenery you may spot during your visit, it is also wildlife. Arches National Park is home to animals including mule deer, coyotes, lizards, snakes, and even bats. But, recently, park rangers have noticed unusual bat behavior at the national park and it has them concerned.

Utah is home to at least 18 bat species. Most of these species live within Arches.

Between late August to October, it is more common to encounter these animals in the park due to their migratory patterns. However, park staff and even visitors have reported unusual bat behavior over the past several weeks.

Due to this strange behavior, bats are more likely to come in contact with humans. In August, at least one visitor reported being bitten by a bat in the park.

On August 18, 2023, a bat outside of the park’s visitor center tested positive for rabies. While less than 1 percent of bats in nature actually carry the disease, bats that exhibit strange behavior, such as an increase in human contact, are 10 times more likely to be carriers of rabies.

Park officials are urging anyone visiting the park to be mindful of bats and to keep their distance. If you have received any type of contact with a bat, you should seek medical attention. Family pets that experienced contact should also seek medical assistance right away.

Keep in mind that rabies is spread through a bite, scratch, or any type of mucus membrane contact with the animal.

Do you have an upcoming visit to Arches National Park? Have you ever had an encounter with bats? We’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments.

If you are planning a visit to Arches National Park soon, I recommend booking a room in a nearby hotel or staying in a cozy vacation rental. You may also want to spend some time in Moab and on the Moab Canyon Pathway.