Bats typically on the move during mid-summer — KCBP
By Lone Sheep Publishing
The Kootenay Community Bat Project is suggesting people may be noticing more bats around their house or property as mid-summer is a time typically for more activity.
The KCBP said in a media release that landowners typically may notice more bat activity, have bats flying into their house and occasionally find a bat on the ground or roosting in unusual locations.
“In July and August, pups are learning to fly, and their early efforts may land them in locations where they are more likely to come in contact with humans“, says Elodie Kuhnert, regional coordinator with the Kootenay Got Bats? BC Community Bat Program.
The KCBP said as noticed in 2021, heat and smoke may also cause bats to use unusual roost sites and if anyone finds bat, alive or dead, remember to never touch it with bare hands.
The KCBP said that bats in BC are known to carry rabies at a low level; this is why it is important to avoid any contact.
If you must move a bat, use a trowel or similar, and always wear leather gloves to protect yourself from direct contact,” the KCBP said.
“Talk to your children to make sure they understand to never touch, play or try to rescue injured or sick-looking bats.”
The KCBP said if anyone suspects a bite or scratch from a bat, immediately wash the area with soap and water for 15 minutes and contact their public health or doctor as soon as possible, or go to the emergency department.
For more information on rabies please refer to the BCCDC website http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/rabies.
Bats are often found in close association with humans, as some species (such as the Little Brown Myotis) have adapted to live in human structures, and colonies may be found under roofs or siding, or in attics, barns, or other buildings. Female bats gather in maternity colonies to have a single pup in early summer, where they will remain until the pups are ready to fly. Having bats is viewed as a benefit by many landowners, who appreciate the insect control. Others may prefer to exclude the bats.
Under the BC Wildlife Act it is illegal to exterminate or directly harm bats, and exclusion should only be done in the fall and winter after it is determined that the bats are no longer in the building.
If anyone have bats on their property, the BC Community Bat Project can offer advice and support.
The public can keep bats out of your living space by keeping doors and windows closed and ensuring window screens do not have any holes.
If a live bat flies into a room of a home, open the window and close interior doors until the bat leaves, or follow the steps here: https://batworld.org/what-to-do-if-you- found_a_bat/#indoors .
Always vaccinate your pets against rabies.
For information on safely moving a bat if necessary and to report bat sightings, landowners can visit the Got Bats? BC Community Bat Program’s website (www.bcbats.ca), email [email protected] , or call 1- 855-9BC-BATS Kootenay.
The BC Community Bat Program is supported by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Forest Enhancement Society of BC, the Habitat Stewardship Program, the Government of BC, the Columbia Basin Trust, the Kootenay Lake and Columbia Valley Local funds.
