Bat and Rabies
Bats, like many mammals, can contract and transmit rabies as well as other diseases. Although rabies has been found at one time or another in many species of bats in the United States, it is relatively uncommon.
However, because bats can transmit rabies, they should not be handled. This is especially true for bats found on the ground, because these may be unhealthy.
More information on the subject of bats and rabies can be found at the following website: