North Central Public Health District says two dead bats have been found on properties in The Dalles in recent months.  Bats are an important part of the ecosystem and are helpful bug eaters, but they are also the leading cause of rabies deaths in people in the U.S.  NCPHD says most bats do not have rabies, but you can’t tell just by looking at it.  The district is advising to dispose of a dead bat, pick it up with a plastic bag over your hand or use disposable gloves, place both the bat and the plastic bag into another plastic bag, spray with disinfectant, close the bag securely, and dispose of it with your garbage, then thoroughly wash your hands and clothing that comes into contact with the bat.  Dead and observed sick bats can be reported to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife through the agency’s website.  Signs a bat is sick is if it flies during daytime, has difficulty flying or on the ground, or has a white substance on their face or wings.