During the summer vacation season, hundreds of visitors may have been exposed to rabies at Grand Teton National Park. A colony of bats was recently identified in the attic of the popular Jackson Lake Lodge, raising significant health concerns for guests who stayed there.
Since June 2, the Grand Teton Lodge Company has recorded eight reports from overnight guests who might have encountered bats in their rooms at Jackson Lake Lodge. The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed that these reports prompted health officials to investigate further. Dr. Alexia Harrist, the state health officer for Wyoming, noted that the frequency of reports indicated the presence of a bat colony rather than isolated incidents of bats entering individual rooms.
On August 8, the NPS announced the discovery of a suspected bat colony located in the attic space above several guest rooms at the Jackson Lake Lodge. This finding has led to a thorough assessment by the Wyoming Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine the potential risk of rabies exposure for guests who stayed at the lodge.
It is crucial to understand what constitutes rabies exposure. Any bite or scratch from a bat, as well as any physical contact, is considered a potential exposure. Individuals unable to communicate or confirm exposure—such as young children, deep sleepers, or those under the influence of drugs—are particularly at risk. Notably, bat bites can be subtle; their small teeth may not produce noticeable wounds, which can lead to a lack of awareness about potential exposure.
State health officials are proactively reaching out to recent guests of Jackson Lake Lodge to gather information about any possible exposure to the bat colony. As of now, the NPS has not reported whether any bats from the lodge have tested positive for rabies.
If you stayed at Jackson Lake Lodge between May 5, 2025, and July 27, 2025, and believe you may have been exposed to a bat, it is essential to seek guidance. You can contact the Grand Teton Lodge Company directly at RoomsGTLC@vailresorts.com or call 307-543-3044 for assistance. Additional information is available on their official website.
Grand Teton National Park is a stunning American National Park located in northwestern Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone National Park. Spanning approximately 310,000 acres, the park features the majestic peaks of the 40-mile-long Teton Range and encompasses much of the northern region known as Jackson Hole.
Rabies is a serious viral disease that can be fatal if not treated before symptoms appear. In the United States, approximately two fatalities occur each year due to rabies, according to the CDC. Each year, around 100,000 Americans receive a rabies vaccine following potential exposure, highlighting the importance of awareness and prompt medical attention.
