An Iowa woman, 60, was in for a surprise when she discovered a dead bat in her tea mug only after sipping all day from the cup.

The brown bat was about the size of two tea bags. The woman, who refused to identify herself, forwarded the bat to the Siouxland health office.

Environmental director for the Siouxland health office said, "I knew the person, so I knew it was no joke."

The bat was then sent to University Hygienic Laboratory in Coralville. Tests showed that the bat did not have rabies.

State Epidemiologist Patricia Quinlisk said if the bat been rabid, the woman would have to given a series of rabies shots.

Mike Pentella, program manager at University Hygienic Laboratory, said, "We test many, many bats."

He added, "But none that have drowned in a cup of tea before."