ALPENA, Mich. - A group of women who were staying at an Airbnb in Alpena, Michigan for their 50th high school reunion have filed a lawsuit after they were allegedly attacked by a large colony of bats. The incident occurred on the evening of July 26, 2023, according to the complaint filed by Marko Law on behalf of the seven women.

The lawsuit claims that two of the women noticed something darting around their bedroom and screamed in fear. As the minutes passed, an increasing number of bats emerged, taking over the stairwell of the home, which had been invaded by Michigan Brown Bats residing in the attic. The women reported being bitten and struck by the flying bats.

Following the harrowing ordeal, the women were advised to undergo a series of rabies vaccinations as a precautionary measure. The bats remained active throughout the night until dawn, continuing to pose a threat to the guests.

Upon inspection by an exterminator, a significant colony of Michigan Brown Bats was discovered in the attic of the Airbnb. The floor was reportedly covered in inches of bat guano, and bat urine was found running down the basement walls.

The lawsuit alleges that Airbnb failed to exercise due diligence in allowing the bat-infested home, nicknamed "The Castle," to be advertised on their platform. It also claims that the homeowners and those responsible for maintenance neglected their duty to ensure the safety of the property when it was rented.

In response to the legal action, Airbnb declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, according to a statement provided to ClickOnDetroit.

Michigan Brown Bats are a common species found across the state, particularly in the northern half of the Lower Peninsula. They are known to set up maternity roosts in man-made structures, such as barns, houses, and large buildings, as well as in tree hollows and under loose bark.

As the case proceeds, the women involved in the incident seek compensation for the physical injuries and emotional distress endured during their reunion celebration gone wrong.