Applegate also warns people to check out their homes for bats, especially hunting cabins where there may be cracks or crevasses they could slip through like a mouse.

Missoula Animal Control Officer Cindy Syrjala said rabid bats are pretty easy to spot. Any exhibiting unusual behavior, such as weakness, stumbling, hanging around near the ground or having trouble flying, could be strong candidates for the destructive and brain-swelling virus. Also, any bat that's active in the daytime is worth reporting, Syrjala said.

"They're not usually out and about during the daytime, so if they are, that's something to be aware of," she said.

Pets are also a source of concern for officials who want to get ahead of any potential rabies exposure. Pets should be vaccinated for rabies for practical reasons, but also because it's the law. Missoula has required residents to license their dogs since 1896, according to the city website. When pets are licensed, they are required to be vaccinated for rabies before the license is issued.