Date: 10/24/07
Contact: Lynne Foster
Phone: (775) 688-1997

GONE BATTY

Bats are traditionally linked to those eerie creatures of lore – vampires, ghosts and ghouls that make their spooky appearances come late October amidst the glow of the flickering jack-o-lantern. The truth is that we really owe a lot to these winged creatures of the night.

Eating thousands of pounds of bugs in a season, we are really beholden to bats for helping to control disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes and other insects that damage crops. As many insects develop resistance to agricultural pesticides, the role of bats in our ecosystem is even more important.

So, what else are these flighty creatures good for? Bat droppings, or guano, provide the primary nutrient source for entire ecosystems of unique cave life. Plus, guano is used as a fertilizer and is used to detoxify industrial wastes in lakes and streams. The bacteria from the guano can also be used for gasohol and antibiotics. Bats across the world help pollinate some of our favorite foods like wild bananas, avocados, mangoes and cashews.

Despite all the good they do, people often fear bats. The truth is that bats typically avoid other animals, including humans. If a bat happens to swoop toward you, it is most likely diving for flying insects near your head. Contrary to common belief, not all bats have rabies. Bats are actually very clean mammals that carry far fewer diseases than other land mammals. In fact, studies suggest that only a half of one percent of bats have been known to carry rabies.

It’s easy for bats to remain wrapped in mystery because many bats are mostly active at night when we are tucked in for the night. Historically, trees and caves were the main choice of locations for bats to roost, but as these natural places get disturbed, more and more bats may choose to roost in chimneys, attics or eaves.

Come the fall season, you may see bats as they leave these roosting spots to find other, cooler places to hibernate between late October and April.

That doesn’t mean you should make a brazen move to befriend a bat. Like all other
wildlife, it’s best for both you and the bat if you steer clear and give bats plenty of room to, well, be bats, and the 24 native species of bats in Nevada do just that.

You can learn more about Nevada’s bats by picking up the brochure “Nevada Bats - Our Aerial Allies” at NDOW offices. The brochure, along with a video about Nevada’s bats, is available to schools throughout the state.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.