www.fireflyforest.net -- bats at hummingbird feeder

Rabies is not something you want to fool around with.  According to the CDC "once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal, and treatment is typically supportive."

Other wild animals, including raccoons, skunks, foxes and rodents can contract rabies.  Wild animals account for 92% of reported cases, while domestic animals are the remaining 8%.
 

How can you tell if a bat has rabies?  The CDC notes that any bat that is active by day, is found in a place where bats are not usually seen (for example, in a room in your home or on the lawn), or is unable to fly, is far more likely than others to be rabid. Never handle a bat in those situations.

The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system, but the first symptoms of rabies in humans can be vague, such as fever, headache, and general malaise.  Neurological symptoms -- insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water) -- appear as the disease progresses.  Death usually occurs within days of the onset of symptoms.  Rabies is fatal.

What if you tangle with a bat?  You may not realize you've been bitten, because bats have small teeth.  The CDC advises seeking medical advice even if you don't see an obvious bite.  This is also true if the exposed person is a small child, or mentally impaired adult.  Post-exposure vaccine works well if administered in a timely fashion after a bite.