Rabid Bat Found in New Canaan: Report

NEW CANAAN, CT—A rabid bat was found in a New Canaan bedroom last week.

The White Oak Shade Road family was advised of the test results by Animal Control and were told to consult their physician, according to the New Canaanite.
Generally bats aren't dangerous, except if they carry rabies, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Less than one percent of bats carry the disease and lightning strikes are responsible for more deaths annually than rabies transmitted by a bat.
Eight different bat species are found in Connecticut and none of them drink blood. Some small brown bats are very helpful when it comes to mosquito control. A small brown bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes an hour.
More advice from DEEP:

A single bat that enters a home can often be removed easily. Closing off doorways to the room containing the bat and opening a window will usually prompt the bat to fly outside. A large jar or can may also be used to remove a bat. Move toward the bat slowly so that it is not startled and gently place the can over it. Slide stiff paper or cardboard under the can’s opening, using it as a lid when removing the bat.
Heavy leather gloves should be used to remove a bat by hand. Bats, like all wild animals, may bite when handled and should not be removed bare-handed. Remember that bats, like other mammals, may be a source of rabies. The rabies virus is found in saliva and may be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.
If you are accidentally bitten while handling a bat, make sure the bat is saved for examination. Immediately wash the bite with soap and water and seek prompt medical advice.Non-bite exposures can also occur and should be treated in the same manner as a bite. A non-bite exposure occurs when saliva or brain tissue from an infected animal enters scratches, abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes (nose, mouth, eyes).

Most colonies of bats are small and often remain unnoticed for many years. Large colonies residing in an attic or wall may become a nuisance because of noise and unsightly guano accumulations. Eviction and exclusion of roosting bats are the only safe, permanent solutions to a nuisance problem. Numerous repellents and techniques may be used in an effort to evict nuisance bats.
Image via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service