A family in Georgia has recently experienced a harrowing incident that forced them to flee from their rental home. Isaiah and Monica Grant, along with their two young children, were horrified when almost 80 bats invaded their living space in Ardsley Park.
The nightmare began on January 18 when the Grants spotted the first bat. But within days, more bats began to swarm inside their home, flying down the stairs and even coming through the vents. Understandably, the family felt extremely unsafe and had no choice but to abandon their home.
“We were like, we’re done, we have to get out of here, something is wrong,” Monica shared with WSAV. In addition, the Georgia Department of Public Health deemed the house an imminent health risk, further justifying their decision to flee.
Originally from Chicago, the Grants sought refuge with a neighbor while dealing with the situation. The property owner, Cathleen Barela of Property Management Company, assured them that steps were being taken to address the bat infestation. While relieved, the family still faced numerous inconveniences.
To protect themselves from potential rabies exposure, all four family members had to undergo immediate rabies shots. This unforeseen expense only added to their financial burden. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, bats are the leading cause of rabies deaths in humans in the United States.
In order to find a new home and cover their mounting medical bills, the Grant family has set up a GoFundMe page to seek financial assistance. Unfortunately, their renters insurance provider stated that a bat infestation is not a covered loss, increasing their financial strain.
Regardless of their challenges, the Grants have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support they have received. In fact, they were even offered a furnished townhouse to stay in while they figure out their next steps. “Dracula is real, ya’ll,” Isaiah humorously commented on the situation.
It is important to note that not all bats carry rabies, and it’s impossible to determine just by looking at them. Georgia is home to 16 different species of bats, as reported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Confirming the presence of rabies in bats requires testing in a laboratory, as highlighted by the CDC.
The Grant family’s story serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise, even within the safety of our own homes. It’s a wake-up call to be prepared for any situation, and to be grateful for the kindness and support of others in times of need.
