The Bats Are About To Return

The Bats are about to Return

The Bats are about to Return

By Joseph Parish

Well, it is almost time for the bats to come out of hibernation and make their appearance once again. As most of my friends know I am one of Delaware’s Bat volunteers who monitor their location and record their every move. We capture, tag and release them in order to gather relative data on their daily lives. Unfortunately, many people are afraid of these little creatures and usually try to kill them. Why? Because of the usual untrue myths that are often circulated about the bats. I would like to clear up a few of these falsehoods at this time.

First off, let’s discuss the rabies problem. Less than one percent of bats ever develop rabies. You would have a far greater chance of catching rabies from a raccoon than you would a bat. During the season, I handle bats and frequently find that they try to nibble on me as I hold them. I have never been bitten by a rabid bat, although out of fairness, I have received the three series of rabies vaccination shots necessary before handling them. I would like to set the record straight that just being in the same room with a rabid bat does not increase your chances of getting rabies. If you suspect that a bat has rabies it should be kept isolated and alive until such time as the authorities can check it out. Do not release it or kill it. Additionally, if you are bitten by a rabid bat there is no cause for concern or alarm. The condition is easily treated if medicine is provided soon after you have been exposed.

Now let’s review the myth surrounding the bat guano or bat droppings and the misconception that they are poisonous. These droppings are actually a good source of fertilizer for your garden. The major concern with guano is the “histoplasmosis” fungus which grows on the bat guano can cause respiratory medical problems. This fungus can cause some disturbing effects in the event that it is inhaled, however, it should not be a source of concern since one merely has to wear a face respirator when in areas where the guano is present. “Histoplasmosis” often occurs naturally in our environment and the guano is merely one means by which a person can be exposed.

We all remember the old tales we were told as children about bats getting in our hair or the possibility of the bats attacking you in the evening hours when it is dark. These are over exaggerated wives tales. The bat's radar is a sophisticated echolocation system which they use in the evenings to locate the insects which they eat and to avoid collision with objects in their path such as humans. Contrary to popular opinion bats are not blind and can see you very clearly.

Since bats are insect eaters, and one of their favorite meals consists of mosquitoes, it is likely that you will see them occasionally hunting their prey around locations where humans reside. These bats mean you no harm and are actually doing us a favor. Healthy bats do not attack humans and will only bite in self-defense.

Bats are not dirty creatures and are their fur is not covered in lice. The fact of the matter is that bats tend to groom themselves quite frequently and they like to keep their fur clean and free of any possible parasites. Perhaps the only bug which the bat will encounter is a cousin of the common bed bug which is of no concern to human since it is only interested in bats.

In conclusion, there is never any reason to kill a bat if it accidentally enters a building. Please do not strike it with anything or spray chemicals on it. Instead of hurting the animal all you have to do is isolate it in one room, open the windows and doors and turn on the lights. The bat will find its way back to its natural environment.

Visit me at www.wordwriter.info

License: You have permission to republish this article in any format, even commercially, but you must keep all links intact. Attribution required.