Paranoid?

Question
My husband caught a bat today off of someone's porch.  He says he did not touch it, and it certainly did not bite him, he scooped it in a bucket.
The bat was sick or something I guess, it died later, probably because my husband had it in a bucket more than anything.
I am freaked out because I know bats often carry rabies.
Should I be concerned?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi there!  I definitely would not be concerned in the least.  I have dealt with many animals that were rabies positive, while doing rescue work.  (I of course am rabies vaccinated, just in case!)  Rabies can only be contracted through a scratch or bite that breaks the skin.
If you are very worried, your husband can go to the hospital and get rabies vaccinated.  It's a series of three shots.  You can also take the bat's body to a local veterinarian to have it sent away for rabies testing.
If the bat did not scratch or bite your husband, there is not a need to worry!
I hope I've put your mind at ease!
Hilary