Bats and Rabies: Bat Safety for Your Family

When I was young, my mother often told me my natural curls were a bat magnet. She would tell me that bats are blind and could easily fly into my hair at night and get hopelessly tangled. When I would walk at night, I would be sure to keep my hair in a ponytail or wear a hood.

I realize now she was pulling my leg, but there was a reason for her story. Bats should never be handled by anyone but a professional, and coming into contact with them can be dangerous. The bats themselves aren’t really dangerous, but coming into contact with them can cause problems.

The popular myth about bats being blind is untrue. They actually have very sharp vision, but at night, they need extra help in getting around. Bats send off high-pitched noises that bounce off objects and let the bats know how close and how large or small and object may be. This system works very well for the bats as they navigate the nighttime world.

Bats are generally good and useful animals. They are great for keeping down populations of bugs and insects and their droppings (commonly known as guano) is a useful fertilizer.

The bad news about bats is that they are common carriers of rabies. It is important to know what to do when confronted with a bat either outside or in your home.

Tips For Dealing With Bats