A 6-year-old girl is recovering after being bitten by a rabid bat while playing outside her home in Tigerton, Wisconsin, last week. Her two brothers acted quickly to save her, killing the bat with a homemade sword they had crafted that same day. The child received lifesaving rabies treatment less than 48 hours after the attack.
The incident occurred in the small town located about 60 miles west of Green Bay. Health officials confirmed Tuesday that the bat tested positive for rabies, prompting immediate medical intervention for the young girl named Cecilia Kale, known as Cece to her family.
Brothers Spring Into Action During Attack
Cece was playing on a tree in front of her family home when the bat bit her on her left thigh. Her brothers, 11-year-old Nicklas and 16-year-old Camden, responded immediately to help their younger sister.
Elizabeth Kale, the children’s mother, described the moment her sons intervened. “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,” she said.
The weapon used to kill the bat was a homemade sword that the brothers had made earlier that day. The family credited the 1995 movie Braveheart as their inspiration. “Nick made the homemade sword. We love ‘Braveheart,'” Elizabeth Kale explained.
The family preserved the bat so it could be tested for rabies. The results came back positive, confirming the serious nature of the attack and the need for immediate medical treatment.
What We Know So Far
Health officials with the Shawano-Menominee County Health Department confirmed the incident on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. According to the department, the attack represents a typical occurrence for the region, which sees approximately one rabid bat attack on humans each year.
Nick Mau, health officer with the Shawano-Menominee County Health Department, addressed the case publicly. “This one’s getting all the [attention] because a young individual was exposed to a bat that did indeed test positive, so it’s not uncommon,” Mau said.
The Kale family has eight children and homeschools them. Elizabeth Kale described their lifestyle choice, saying, “We want to live out here to give our kids land and homeschool and to raise them as we would have in 1850 and to give them that type of lifestyle. And they’re thriving.”
While the family opposes mandated immunizations, they consented to the rabies treatment for Cece. Health officials emphasized their role in communicating risks to families in such situations.
Lifesaving Treatment Administered Quickly
Cece received rabies shots less than 48 hours after the bat attack. Medical experts note that rabies is nearly 100 percent fatal if left untreated, but the disease is almost certainly nonfatal when patients receive the required five-shot treatment protocol.
The quick response by the family in securing the bat for testing and seeking medical attention proved critical. The positive test result for rabies confirmed that treatment was necessary.
Nick Mau explained the health department’s approach when working with families who may have different views on medical interventions. “We understand that there’s lots of different viewpoints on different treatments, different immunizations, childhood vaccines or, in this case, rabies prophylaxis,” he said.
Mau continued, “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 Shows Remarkable Courage
Elizabeth Kale praised her daughter’s response to the ordeal. “She’s just so brave and has a stronger constitution than the rest of us,” she said about Cece.
The 6-year-old is currently recovering from the attack and subsequent treatment. The family has not provided additional details about her current condition beyond confirming that she is in the recovery process.
The brothers who saved their sister have received attention for their quick thinking and decisive action. Without their intervention, the outcome could have been significantly different given the confirmed rabies infection in the bat.
What Happens Next
Cece will continue her recovery and complete the rabies treatment protocol, which consists of five shots total. The treatment, when administered promptly after exposure, is highly effective at preventing the disease from developing.
The Shawano-Menominee County Health Department will continue monitoring for similar incidents in the area. Officials noted that rabid bat encounters, while concerning, are not unusual for the region.
Residents in rural Wisconsin areas should remain aware of the potential for bat encounters, particularly during warmer months when children spend more time playing outdoors.
Important Details About Rabies and Bat Encounters
Rabies remains a serious public health concern when humans come into contact with infected animals. Bats are among the most common carriers of the disease in the United States.
According to health officials, the Shawano-Menominee County area experiences approximately one rabid bat attack on humans per year. This incident follows that typical pattern, though the involvement of a young child and the unusual manner in which the bat was killed have drawn additional attention.
The key factor in successful treatment is time. The Kale family’s decision to preserve the bat for testing allowed health officials to confirm the rabies diagnosis and initiate treatment within the critical window.
Medical professionals recommend that anyone who experiences a bat bite or scratch seek medical attention immediately. If possible, the bat should be captured or killed in a way that preserves the head for testing, as this allows laboratories to confirm whether the animal was rabid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if a bat has rabies?
Bats must be tested in a laboratory to confirm rabies infection. In this case, the family killed and preserved the bat, allowing health officials to test it. The bat tested positive for rabies, confirming the need for immediate treatment.
How is rabies treated after a bat bite?
Rabies treatment after exposure involves a series of five shots. When administered promptly, the treatment is almost always effective. Cece received her treatment less than 48 hours after the attack, which is within the recommended timeframe.
How common are rabid bat attacks in Wisconsin?
According to the Shawano-Menominee County Health Department, approximately one rabid bat attack on humans occurs in the county each year. Health officials described this incident as not uncommon for the area.
What should you do if bitten by a bat?
Anyone bitten by a bat should seek medical attention immediately and, if safely possible, capture or kill the bat for testing. Quick action is essential because rabies is nearly 100 percent fatal without treatment but highly treatable when caught early.
Rural Wisconsin Family Returns to Normal Life
The Kale family continues their rural lifestyle in Tigerton following the incident. The family of ten, including eight children, chose the area specifically for the outdoor lifestyle it offers.
The incident has highlighted both the potential dangers of rural living and the importance of quick thinking in emergency situations. The brothers’ improvised weapon, inspired by a classic film, ultimately played a role in protecting their younger sister from further harm.
Health officials praised the family’s cooperation in getting Cece tested and treated despite their stated opposition to mandated immunizations. The case demonstrates how communication between health authorities and families can lead to positive outcomes even when there are differing viewpoints on medical interventions.
Cece continues her recovery at home with her family in Tigerton, Wisconsin.
