In a message dated 97-09-25 15:27:18 EDT, you write:

<< I think it would be extremely prudent to stay away from roosting
bats and also to never touch a wild bat. Rabies is a very unpleasant way
to die. >>

All mammals can contract rabies; however, even the less than a half of
one percent of bats that do, normally bite only in self-defense and pose
little threat to people who do not handle them.

Maia Kelly
Selah, WA