Firefighters Who Shared Station With Bats to Undergo Rabies Shots

More than a dozen firefighters at the naval base here will undergo a series of rabies shots, thanks to a brood of bats that briefly shared their living quarters.

Workers Friday patched a hole in the fire station’s ceiling that allowed the Mexican free-tailed bats access to their rooms.

Two weeks ago, a firefighter woke up to find a bat in his bed.

“He said he just rolled over, and the bat was still batting his wings next to his head,” said Capt. Patrick Amott. “He could feel the wind.”

The invasion forced the firefighters out for nearly a week. Authorities said no bites have been reported.

Bats are common on the base--they have been attracted to the chapel in the past--and the Navy wants to keep them to zap mosquitoes on the base’s marshland.

County health officials warn people to stay away from bats, about 12% of which are believed to carry the rabies virus.

Homeowners who find a bat should cover it with a can and call animal control, said public health nurse Elise McKee.

Otherwise, there might be a date with a needle--or needles. The number of vaccinations can range from three to six, depending on body weight.

In general, bats are afraid of humans, don’t suck blood and don’t entangle themselves in human hair. But the firefighters are glad to be rid of them just the same.

“I can sleep easier,” Amott said. “It’s no longer Dracula’s castle.”