There are 45 species of bats that are found in the United States and 15 of those call Mississippi home.
Over the past couple weeks several conversations have taken place about habitats, safety and history of these bats.
Bats have been around for a long time but only since urbanization have bats gotten a bad rap. Since then several bats have been placed on the endangered lists. There are a few contributors to the decline in bats but loss of habitat is one.
During the night these flying mammals venture out and feed on numerous insects that are often viewed as a pest to human health.
Street lights and other bright lights attract flying insects therefore bats find these locations as a feeding ground. Sometimes bats will come out to fly around dusk and dawn but will always be back roosting during the day time.
Bats will roost in tree crevices, under bridges, and many other areas.
The conversation always ends up with human-wildlife conflict topic: bats encroaching on a homeowner or vice versa.
The issue is that we can protect ourselves as well as protect bats with a little knowledge. There are only 3 types of bats that feed on blood and they are native to
Central and South America. Also of these a human attack is very rare as they tend to choose sleeping livestock.
The bats that we see at dusk are insect feeders and are helping us try to control the amount of mosquitoes in the area.
Lastly bats don't know what is your home or outside.
That last statement is the one that gives homeowners the most heartburn.
Most of our local bats are extremely small and can find their way into very tight spaces. If you happen to find a bat in your home open a window or a door and allow it to exit freely.
If you come across an injured bat never handle it without protection. Use a bucket and cardboard to scoop up the bat and release it outside at dusk.
Before the fall temperatures hit and these mammals start looking for long-term homes over the winter inspect your house for any entry points they may use.
If you enjoy the work they are doing for free but would rather not house them in your home you should put out some bat houses on trees or a fence line. This is truly a win-win if we take care of each other.
