"BATS!" More...
Posted by Last Chance Rand on September 17, 2001 at 19:51:58:
In Reply to: Re: Very quiet in the Valley last weekend... posted by Dezdan on September 17, 2001 at 19:03:19:
At the entrance of the Camp, where the metal "mailbox" and info sign are located, is a letter from Inyo Cty Health Dpt. The first paragraph of the letter says that the bat were found in the pool on July 25th (maybe 26th -- but definately July) and that specimens were collected and tested positive for rabies. I did not notice if there was an "effective date" in the header of the letter. Although there were also several paper signs proclaiming in bold letters that the pool was "temporarily" closed due to bats, the letter posted at the camp entrance was the only copy of that document posted on the property.
The pool was roped off with plastic yellow caution tape, all of which was intact. Also, the paper signs were in good shape. This indicates to me that, although the bats may have been discovered in the pool in July, it may have taken some time for tests to conclude and for the order to be issued.
To assist wildlife in accessing the stream's water, a small rocklined pool (4 ft diameter) appears to have been built up by Park Service.
The letter from the Health Department suggested that those who may have swam in the pool and came in contact with the dead bats should be aware of developing health problems, though it emphasised that the likelihood of people catching rabies this way is very, very low.