Bats are starting to show up in the southwest.

     Bats can be dangerous, as they are conduits for deadly diseases like rabies.

     If a bat is in a room in your house, don't try to kill it.  Instead, call the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and they will arrange to pick it up and test it for rabies.

     Cypress Health Region Medical Health Officer Dr Khami Chokani says it's important to keep the head of the bat intact, since the CFIA uses the brain for rabies testing.

     Dr Chokani says there are rabies immunizations available, but they discourage them unless you are in a high-risk profession.