Bats are one of the most fascinating species to inhabit our planet. They have many interesting behaviors and do amazing things for our environment. Sadly, bats get a bad rap from the media, especially when they are portrayed as blood-sucking creatures that stalk humans.

These characterizations have led to the destruction of bat colonies and created a lot of misinformation on the role of bats in our ecosystem. People are particularly leery of bats when it comes down to the dreaded bite. Do bats really target people to attack them? We want to offer some clarity on this topic.

Bats are Shy Creatures

One of the most important things to know about bats is that they are shy animals. Bats live their lives mostly in seclusion and come out at night to feed. If possible, they avoid contact with humans.

You’ve probably heard the phrase blind as a bat? Well, that is not an accurate description of a bat’s ability to see.

Bat vision is quite good and works best in dark environments. Bats may occasionally fly close to people when they are pursuing insects. This does not mean they intend to harm people. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Humans and bats coexist in the same spaces, so there are bound to be unintended encounters.

Bats Often Feel Threatened

Bats try their best to find places to be safe and undisturbed. They live in several different places: caves, mine shafts, wells, bridges, trees, buildings and homes. Most of these are dark, out-of-the-way areas where bats remain incognito. However, in urban areas, bats are attracted to attics because they provide a suitable environment.

Bats in a home do react if they feel their colonies are threatened. The same is true for all animal species. If bats are disturbed, they may take flight and move around in what appears to be an erratic pattern. They are either trying to find a way to safety or assessing how to handle the perceived threat to their colony best.

Bats Do Bite Under Stress

Bats can bite if they feel threatened by humans. This usually occurs when a person enters a bat’s territory. The bat has no idea that your attic is your private space. This is where they made their home, so they are frightened of your presence. This may be amplified after their pups are born.

Even so, bats are not in the business of going after humans just because they are nearby. Bat bites or scratches happen when bats are moving around an area and you happen to be in their way or when they are mishandled.

Bat Bite Facts

Bats do carry rabies, and most rabies cases in the U.S. are from bats. There are usually only one to two cases of rabies per year. Bat bites and rabies cases are extremely rare.

It is also important to know that not all bats carry rabies. So, even if you are bitten, you may not contract the disease. However, rabies is a deadly disease, so you need to immediately seek medical attention if you think you’ve been bitten. Prompt rabies vaccinations will save your life.

You cannot tell if a bat has rabies just by looking at it. If a bat looks sick or injured or has made its way inside your home, always seek professional bat removal Madison to avoid rabies exposure and to properly care for the bat.

Humane Wildlife Control for Bat Problems

Many species of bats are protected by law under The Endangered Species Act. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control Madison specialists will care for bats found in your attic and safely remove their colonies intact. We will clean up your attic space and protect it from future intrusions. Contact us to learn more about our highly effective animal control approach.