Grand Teton National Park Cabins Closed Over Bat Colony Rabies Risk
August 16, 2025
Approximately 250 reservations were made for the cabins from May to late July, potentially exposing up to 500 visitors from 38 states and seven countries, prompting health authorities to contact all affected individuals.
The risk of rabies exposure is considered manageable, and health officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
Park and lodge authorities are not planning to exterminate the bats; instead, they are using devices to prevent bats from re-entering the cabins, minimizing the risk to visitors.
Authorities confirmed that bats are common rabies vectors, but no extermination plans are underway; measures are focused on preventing re-entry and maintaining visitor safety.
Despite the incident, the safety of upcoming events at Jackson Lake Lodge, including a federal economic symposium scheduled for August 21-23, remains assured, with measures in place to protect visitors.
Rabies, a deadly virus transmitted through bites or scratches, can be effectively prevented with prompt prophylactic treatment, and officials are reaching out to those who stayed in the cabins, especially if they saw bats or had contact with them.
While no bats have tested positive for rabies, several dead bats found in the cabins suggest a larger colony may be present, raising concerns about possible undetected rabies transmission.
Health officials have closed cabins at Jackson Lake Lodge in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park since July 27 due to a bat colony in the attic, which poses a potential rabies risk.
Although no bats have tested positive for rabies, the presence of dead bats and the possibility of a larger colony in the attic have prompted health alerts to recent visitors, emphasizing the importance of prompt medical attention if bitten or scratched.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources

NBC News • Aug 16, 2025
Hundreds may have been exposed to rabies at bat-infested cabins in Grand Teton National Park
ABC News • Aug 15, 2025
Hundreds may have been exposed to rabies at bat-infested cabins in Grand Teton National Park
AP News • Aug 15, 2025
Health officials warn of rabies threat from bat-infested cabins in Wyoming | AP News