When people think about bats, they often imagine
things that are not true. Bats are not blind. They are
neither rodents nor birds. They will not suck your
blood--and most do not have rabies. Bats play key roles in
ecosystems around the globe, from rain forests to deserts,
especially by eating insects, including agricultural pests.
The best protection we can offer these unique mammals is to
learn more about their habits and recognize the value of
living safely with them.
As with any animal, bats should not be
handled for obvious reasons. Bats can have rabies and other
diseases and parasites. Bats should only be handled by
professionals.
People cannot get rabies just from seeing a
bat in an attic, in a cave, or at a distance. In addition,
people cannot get rabies from having contact with bat guano
(feces), blood, or urine, or from touching a bat on its fur
(even though bats should never be
handled!).
How can I keep bats out of my
home?
Some bats live in buildings, and
there may be no reason to evict them if there is little
chance for contact with people. However, bats should always
be prevented from entering rooms of your home. For
assistance with "bat-proofing" your home, contact our
service for more information and estimates.
How can I safely capture a bat
in my home?
If a bat is present in your
home and you cannot rule out the possibility of exposure,
leave the bat alone and contact our service for assistance.
If professional help is unavailable, use precautions to
capture the bat safely, as described below.
What you will need:
leather
work gloves (put them on)
small box or coffee can
piece of cardboard
tape
When the bat lands, approach it slowly,
while wearing the gloves, and place the box or coffee can
over it. Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the
bat inside. Tape the cardboard to the container securely,
and punch small holes in the cardboard, allowing the bat to
breathe.
Are bats
beneficial?
Yes. Worldwide, bats are a
major predator of night-flying insects, including pests that
cost farmers billions of dollars annually. Throughout the
tropics, seed dispersal and pollination activities by bats
are vital to rain forest survival. In addition, studies of
bats have contributed to medical advances including the
development of navigational aids for the blind.
Unfortunately, many local populations of bats have been
destroyed and many species are now endangered.
Where can I learn more about
bats?
Contact your state or local wildlife
conservation agency or Bat Conservation International:
Bat Conservation International, Inc.
P O Box 162603
Austin, Texas 78716
www.batcon.org
