6 minute read
Decoding Bat Myths:
Unveiling the Truths Behind Common Misconceptions
Greetings! I’m a petite bat, and I want to assure you that I don’t feed on your blood, nor do I have any desire to end up entangled in your hair—that’s rather unpleasant. If, by chance, I find my way into your home, please refrain from using cricket bats and brooms to shoo me away. It’s genuinely painful, and I assure you, I’m just as frightened as you are. It’s all unintentional; I didn’t mean to startle you. In these situations, it’s a bit of an unfair match—I’m fighting for my life, and you’re understandably scared.
Should I happen to land on the floor, I won’t be able to take flight again without a bit of assistance. In those moments, a gentle approach with a towel to guide me outside is all I need. I promise to soar away immediately, offering you a swift exit from our unexpected encounter. Beyond the occasional mishap, I play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. I feast on mosquitoes and various pests that could pose a threat to your garden.
Our habitats are diminishing as more buildings replace our homes, leaving us with limited places to go. So, if I unintentionally find my way into your space, a small favor—dim the lights, leave the outside light on, and open the door. With your help, I’ll make a swift exit, ensuring a brief interruption to your day. Appreciate your understanding and kindness.
Best regards,
Your tiny, harmless bat.
Myth 1: Bats are Blind False
Contrary to belief, bats are not blind. Some species, like the fruit bats of Africa and Asia, boast excellent eyesight. Others rely on echolocation, a sophisticated method of using sound to navigate in the dark.
Myth 2: Bats Get Tangled in Hair False
Scientific experiments have shown that bats don’t willingly stay in anyone’s hair. Dispelling the myth of hair entanglements is crucial for understanding and appreciating these creatures.
Myth 3: Bats are Aggressive and Attack Humans False
Bats are naturally gentle and shy, tending to avoid humans. While they may bite in self-defense when cornered, aggressive behavior is not their norm.
Myth 4: Bats are Related to Mice and Rats False
Bats, though mammals, belong to their own family, Chiroptera, and are not rodents.
Myth 5: Bats Reproduce Profusely False
Unlike rodents, most bats give birth to one pup a year, resulting in a slower population growth.
Myth 6: Vampire Bats are a Myth False
Three species of vampire bats exist, mainly found in Central and South America. They feed on the blood of animals, rarely turning to humans.
Myth 7: Bats Carry Diseases, Like Rabies True
While bats may carry diseases, the prevalence rate is lower than commonly believed. The odds of contracting a bat-borne disease are less than other common risks.
Myth 8: Bat Droppings Cause Histoplasmosis True
Bat droppings can carry Histoplasmosis, but the risk is minimal outside specific conditions like moist caves.
Myth 9: Bats Carry Parasites True
Bats may host parasites, but their load is not more significant than that of other animals.
Myth 10: Bats Provide No Real Benefits False
Bats play a vital role as major predators of nightflying insects worldwide, contributing to the balance of ecosystems.
Next time a bat graces your presence, remember the truth and the valuable role these creatures play in our ecosystem. Dispelling myths allows us to appreciate and protect these winged wonders of the night.
• Close any doors you can to contain the bat in a single room or space.
• Open all the doors and windows as wide as you can in that room or area.
• Turn any outside lights on, e.g. the porch lights.
• Turn the lights in the room off or down.
• Stay in the room, sit down, be quiet, relax, and watch the bat. If you don’t, you will not know if it actually left or has landed and is resting somewhere.
• Do not try to guide the bat with a broom, tennis racket, etc. You do not need to cover your head, it does not want to get in your hair.
The bat, if allowed to, will navigate its way out using the light outside and the draft created by the open window/door. This may take 20 minutes or so. Often, despite its superior navigation skills, the bat is too stressed to think clearly and may fly around in circles for some time until it calms down and finds its way out.
If it has landed somewhere, it may be captured and released outside after sunset. It might be found behind curtains/drapes, pictures or upholstered furniture, to name a few places.
Approach your visitor very slowly and quietly. Avoid touching the bat with your bare hands, since it does not know that you are trying to help and may bite. Gently place a small can or box over the bat, slide cardboard underneath, and release your visitor out of doors at dusk, placing it on a high surface where it will be able to take off. Alternatively, use gloves or a towel to gently grab the bat.
If the bat does not fly away, or attempts to fly but seems unable to, it is likely that it has an injury or illness. It may also be a disoriented juvenile, or it may be dehydrated or starved from being trapped indoors.
If this is the case, keep the bat in a closed box or container with a towel (never a jar) and put it in a safe place that is free of children, pets, ants and other hazards.
Then contact Friends of Free Wildlife for further advice at:
Email: info@freewildlife.co.za
Marion Heaney (General & Northern Suburbs): 082 327 8531
Karin Squirrel (West Rand): 082 701 8318
Margi Brocklehurst (General & Northern Suburbs): 082 561 3681
Wendy Brodie (General & Northern Suburbs): 083 302 2181
A grounded and/or injured bat
Avoid touching the bat with your bare hands, since it does not know that you are trying to help and may bite. Gently place a small can or box over the bat, slide cardboard underneath, and release your visitor out of doors at dusk, placing it on a high surface where it will be able to take off. Alternatively, use gloves or a towel to gently grab the bat.
If the bat does not fly away, or attempts to fly but seems unable to, it is likely that it has an injury or illness. It may also show obvious signs of injury.
In either case, keep the bat in a closed box or container with a towel (never a jar) and put it in a safe place that is free of children, pets, ants and other hazards.
Then advice from a rehabilitation centre should be sought (see contact detailson previous page).
