What should be done with a bat that bites or makes contact?

When a bat bites or makes contact with a person, it is crucial to take the situation seriously due to the potential risk of rabies transmission. Bats are known carriers of the rabies virus, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Submitting the bat for rabies testing is the recommended course of action because it allows health authorities to determine if the animal is infected and assess the risk to humans.

This is particularly important since rabies symptoms can take time to develop, and immediate medical evaluation is vital for anyone who has been bitten or had contact with a bat. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis can be life-saving, but it must be administered before symptoms appear.

In contrast, other options may not address the serious health implications. Ignoring the situation, assisting the bat to escape, or killing it do not provide the necessary information for assessing rabies risk or ensuring the safety of the person who had contact with the bat. Therefore, submitting the bat for rabies testing is both a responsible and essential action to take in this scenario.