Tigerton, Wisconsin — A 6-year-old girl is recovering after a terrifying encounter with a rabid bat outside her family’s home, an incident that prompted a dramatic rescue by her brothers and a race to begin life-saving medical treatment.
The attack occurred last week in the small community of Tigerton, where Cecilia “Cece” Kale was playing outdoors when the bat suddenly bit her.
Health officials later confirmed that the animal tested positive for rabies, making immediate medical treatment essential.
Bat Attacked Girl While She Played Outside
According to Cece’s family, the young girl was climbing a tree in front of their home when the bat attacked and bit her on the left thigh.
Her brothers, Nicklas, 11, and Camden, 16, quickly rushed to help after seeing what was happening.
Their mother, Elizabeth Kale, said Camden used a pole to knock the bat away from his younger sister while Nicklas killed the animal using a homemade sword he had built earlier that day.
Recalling the frightening moments, Kale described how quickly her sons reacted.
“And here comes Camden and he’s like, ‘No!’ and he’s got the pole and he just knocks [the bat] off [Cece] and then Nicklas grabs it, and he just starts killing the thing.”
The family said Nicklas had modeled the homemade sword after the movie Braveheart, one of their favorite films.
Positive Rabies Test Led to Immediate Treatment
Because the bat was captured after the attack, health officials were able to test it for rabies. The results confirmed the animal was infected.
Elizabeth Kale said the family agreed to begin the recommended post-exposure rabies treatment less than 48 hours after the bite.
Although she said her family generally opposes mandated immunizations, she explained that they understood the seriousness of rabies and appreciated the guidance provided by medical professionals.
She also noted that they would have sought treatment even if the bat had not been captured and tested.
Health Officials Stress Importance of Prompt Care
Health experts say rabies remains one of the deadliest viral diseases once symptoms develop. However, timely post-exposure treatment is highly effective at preventing the illness.
Nick Mau, health officer with the Shawano-Menominee County Health Department, said cases involving rabid bats occur periodically in the region.
According to Mau, his office typically responds to about one confirmed rabid bat exposure involving a person each year.
He said public health officials focus on helping families understand the risks and the medical recommendations available to them.
“We understand that there’s lots of different viewpoints on different treatments, different immunizations, childhood vaccines or, in this case, rabies prophylaxis,” Mau said.
“What our job is to do is to communicate risk, what’s recommended by the medical community, what’s recommended by the state health department and the CDC.”
Young Girl Already Back to Enjoying the Outdoors
Despite the frightening experience and the series of medical treatments, Cece’s mother said her daughter has remained remarkably positive.
“She’s just so brave and has a stronger constitution than the rest of us.”
The family said the incident has not diminished Cece’s love of spending time outdoors.
Elizabeth Kale also said they have no plans to change the outdoor lifestyle they have chosen for their eight children.
She explained that their family enjoys raising their children on land where they can spend time outside, learn through homeschooling, and experience nature every day.
While the rabid bat attack was a frightening reminder of the risks posed by wildlife, health officials say the case also demonstrates how quickly seeking medical care after an animal bite can prevent a potentially fatal disease.
What are your thoughts on wildlife safety and rabies awareness? Have you ever encountered bats or other wild animals near your home? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
