Tucson Mother Concerned After Daughter Finds Rabid Bat in NAU Dorm Room

The safety and well-being of our children are always at the forefront of our minds, especially when they are away at college. However, one Tucson mother’s worst nightmare became a reality when her daughter discovered a rabid bat inside her dorm room at Northern Arizona University.

Pamela Jonikas, the concerned mother, never expected rabid bats to be a concern when sending her daughter off to college. But when her daughter, Evelyn, found a bat in her dorm room that tested positive for rabies, fear and frustration set in.

Bats are not uncommon in Arizona, but finding one with rabies is a serious issue. According to the CDC, bats are the most commonly reported animal to have rabies in the U.S., and most rabies-related deaths in the country are due to exposure to rabid bats.

Despite Evelyn’s quick thinking in calling animal control, she claims there are at least four other bats in the building. The university’s response time and action have been disappointing, with Pamela expressing her concerns about the lackadaisical approach taken by NAU officials.

While Evelyn and her friends have started rabies shots, they still have a few more to go. Pamela is anxiously waiting, hoping that no more bats are found in the dormitory.

NAU has responded to the situation by bringing in a pest control specialist for mitigation and ensuring that they are closely monitoring the situation. They have also communicated with Mountain View residents and will provide updates as necessary.

As parents, it’s natural to worry about our children’s safety, especially in unfamiliar environments like college dorms. This incident serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and proactive in ensuring the well-being of our loved ones, even when they are away at school.