In Kalamazoo, Michigan, a couple checking on their six-month-old around midnight noticed something odd in the crib. The baby seemed fine, but the blanket moved on its own. When the mother lifted it, she screamed—a live bat was clinging to the fabric, its wings partially wrapped around the infant’s leg.
The baby was unharmed, but the bat had clearly been there a while. They used a container to trap it and called animal control immediately.
How Did a Bat End Up in the Crib?
Bats often enter homes through small gaps in attics, vents, or open windows, especially during summer when young bats begin flying on their own. The family believes it came from an attic crawlspace they hadn’t sealed completely.
Michigan is home to several bat species, including the big brown bat, which is the most common to inhabit homes. Though useful for controlling insects, these animals are known carriers of rabies, and even a tiny scratch or bite can transmit the virus.
Immediate Medical Action
Out of caution, doctors recommended rabies post-exposure prophylaxis for both parents and the baby—even though no bite marks were visible. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, so treatment is essential when exposure is suspected.
The bat was sent for testing, and fortunately, it came back negative for rabies, meaning the baby avoided a painful treatment cycle.
Sealing the Home and Staying Safe
The couple hired wildlife professionals to inspect and bat-proof the home, sealing attic vents, gaps in the siding, and the chimney caps. Officials urge homeowners to:
- Check attics and eaves for signs of droppings or noise
- Use one-way exclusion doors to allow them out but not back in
- Never try to handle them without protective gear
The parents said they’d never skip attic inspections again. “You never think it will end up inches from your baby’s face,” the father said. “But it only takes one small hole and one silent flyer.”
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