safety
Pitkin County reports ‘surprising’ number of bat exposures in past week
By River Stingray Follow
rstingray@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times
· June 30, 2026
· 4 min read
As of Tuesday, Emergency Response and Epidemiology Program Administrator for Pitkin County Carlyn Porter has sent a total of six bats to Denver to get tested for rabies, with five negative, one pending and one more bat reported and awaiting capture.
Of those, the five that tested negative wer...
Key takeaway ” According to her, each bat collected so far was reportedly acting normal — the one reported at Aspen Highlands is the only one she said whose behavior sounded “weird,” which could indicate the presence of rabies.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The recent surge in bat exposures in Pitkin County is a concern for residents, particularly given the county's mountainous environment where bats are common. The fact that most rabies cases in the area are associated with the bat variant, as noted by Dr. Kelly Voss, underscores the need for vigilance. Homeowners should be aware of the risks of bats roosting in their homes, especially if they have broken screens or other entry points. The tendency of bats to return to the same houses repeatedly means that residents who have had bat encounters before should be extra cautious. With the warm weather arriving quickly, it's crucial for residents to take proactive measures to bat-proof their homes and know what to do if they find a bat inside. By taking these steps, residents can minimize their risk of exposure to rabies and help prevent the spread of the disease in the community.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As of Tuesday, Emergency Response and Epidemiology Program Administrator for Pitkin County Carlyn Porter has sent a total of six bats to Denver to get tested for rabies, with five negative, one pending and one more bat reported and awaiting capture.
Of those, the five that tested negative wer...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by River Stingray Follow
rstingray@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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