Bat Safety and Protocols

Bats are a natural and essential part of our regional ecosystem and play an important role in controlling insect populations.

Given the significant bat population in our region during the warmer months, NAU students, faculty, and staff may encounter bats in university buildings and/or throughout the Flagstaff community.

This page provides information on university protocols for bats inside campus buildings as well as information about what to do if an individual has or may have had direct contact with a bat.

What to do if a bat is inside a university building

If you find a bat inside a university building, refer to these steps:

  • Do not attempt to capture the bat yourself.
  • If possible, contain the bat within a space (for example, by closing the door) and exit the space where the bat is being contained.
  • If the impacted space is a classroom or lab, professors will offer additional guidance to students in determining how to respond and alternative learning arrangements.
  • Contact NAU Work Control Center and report the location of the bat.
  • NAU Work Control will collaborate with City and County animal control, and others as needed to respond and remove or capture/test the bat as appropriate.

Importantly, if you have been exposed to the bat (bite, scratch, direct physical contact or if you wake up and find a bat in your room), immediately contact NAU Campus Health Services to report possible exposure.

Do you need to evacuate a building if a bat is sighted?

Full building evacuation is typically not necessary in the event of a bat sighting.

Employees and students are encouraged to use their own judgement if they feel uncomfortable when notified of a bat sighting in a building. Employees should coordinate with their supervisor and students should contact professors or community living personnel for additional information or for alternate arrangements.

Bat safety

While the risk of rabies from bats is low (most bats do not carry rabies), it is possible upon direct contact with a bat and must be addressed immediately.

When to treat a bat encounter as possible exposure

  • You wake up to find a bat in your room.
  • You were bitten, scratched, or had other direct physical contact with a bat.

Immediately contact NAU Campus Health Services to report possible exposure.

Will bats be tested for rabies?

Only bats with confirmed human contact or found in a room where someone has been sleeping are tested for rabies. If a bat tests positive, Coconino County Health and Human Services will contact those exposed directly.

Prevention tips

  • Do not go to sleep in a room if a bat is present.
  • Never handle or remove a bat yourself.
  • Keep window and door screens in good condition.
  • Report bats hanging on building exteriors to Work Control for inspection.
  • Do not prop open exterior building doors.

Other resources

Contacts: