Man bitten by bat at Beaver Lake

Aaron Cash was bitten by a bat while watching his children swim at Lost Bridge North Beach on Wednesday evening, prompting an urgent visit to the emergency room. He received four rabies treatment injections, which he described as more painful than the bite itself, and he must return for three more over the coming weeks. Cash emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention, noting that bat saliva can transmit rabies even without a bite. As crowds flock to Beaver Lake for the Fourth of July weekend, he encourages visitors to remain cautious while enjoying their time at the lake. According to Mayo Clinic data, bats and skunks have consistently ranked as the top carriers of rabies in Arkansas over the past 30 years.

Cash expressed relief that the incident did not affect his children and underscored the effectiveness of the rabies vaccine. He aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with wildlife encounters, especially during busy holiday weekends. Local health authorities continue to promote rabies vaccination and safety measures to prevent wildlife-related health issues.