FAQ

What happened to the bats?

 

Since 2006, White Nose Syndrome (WNS) devastated bat populations in Western New York and across the northeastern US.  Some species are approaching extinction. 

Wind farms and loss of natural habitat have also killed millions of bats.  For more information on threats to bats, click here.

 

What kinds of bats do we have here?

 

There are nine different bat species that might be found in Western New York, although some were hit especially hard by White Nose Syndrome and are seldom seen now.  The bat most commonly seen now is the big brown. Here is a guide to all of the bats that should inhabit New York. 

 

Are bats flying rodents?

 

No. Although bats are the only flying mammals, they are actually more closely related to cats, dogs, and even people than they are to mice, rats and other rodents.

 

Don’t bats have rabies?

 

Rabies can infect bats and many other mammals, including raccoons, skunks, foxes, and even deer.

However, less than 1 percent of bats carry rabies and transmission to humans is exceedingly rare.  This is an important subject and warrants further reading. Check out this great article for more information.

 

What do bats do in winter?

 

Some of the bats we see in Western New York, like the Hoary bat, migrate south in late summer. Most of our species hibernate in caves. Unfortunately, this behavior also makes them susceptible to White-Nose Syndrome, as the fungus that causes it grows in caves.

 

How do bat houses help?

 

Bats forage for insects at night and need a place where they can rest and be safe from predators during the day. In a natural setting, they roost under tree bark or in tree cavities, or in caves or rock crevices.  Lacking those options in a developed area, they’ll seek out bridges and buildings, which makes them vulnerable to accidents or removal by humans, sometimes using inhumane methods.  Bat houses fill the void, providing places for weary bats to roost and for mother bats to birth and nurture their pups.

 

How long do bats live?

 

Bats can live well over a decade, in fact, one New York state bat is known to have lived 34 years.  If you consider that a single bat can consume a quarter million insects each year, that old bat ate over 8 million insects in its lifetime!

 

Are bats blind?

 

No, bats can see but their eyes are adapted to dark conditions. They also rely on echolocation to navigate and hunt insects.

 

What would happen if there were no bats?

 

Because bats are so effective at controlling flying insects, we could expect to be inundated by pests such as mosquitos and see dramatic increases in mosquito-borne illnesses such as Eastern Equine Encephalitus, West Nile Virus and malaria.  Our food supply would be severely impacted by crop-eating insects.  To combat the onslaught of flying pests, we would resort to using significantly more pesticide. Doing so would drive food prices higher and subject all of us to greater exposure to toxic chemicals.  Unfortunately, it may take many years before the effects of such exposure are recognized.  For example, a recent study by the University of Chicago established a link between bat population loss due to White Nose Syndrome and increased human infant mortality, brought on by heavier application of pesticide.

 

What should I do if a bat enters my house?

 

Bats, especially pups, sometimes find their way into houses through open doors or windows.  They will usually fly back out if they are provided an opening.  Restrict the bat’s area by closing interior doors and within that area open a door or window to the outside.  If the bat lands on a surface, you can try to trap it under a coffee can or similar container, then gently slide a piece of cardboard underneath the can and carry it outside for release.  You should never handle a bat with bare hands.  If you suspect that a bat is sick and want to take it for testing, you can use the same method to contain the bat for transport.  If you need assistance, contact animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator.

 

I have bats in my attic. What should I do?

 

Bat Conservation International provides an excellent guide for this situation.

 

How do I create a bat habitat in my backyard?

 

Bat Conservation International provides useful information here.

 

 

What is the meaning behind your logo?

 

A ghostly bat flying in heart-shaped moonlight, she has suffered hard times but she is determined to recover.  The bandage symbolizes the many threats she faces. It is also a nod to the “Battered Bat” in Buffalo Sabres curse lore.