In honor of Bat Appreciation Month, a recent admission at HARP’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center emphasizes the importance of bats and the challenges they face. On October 8th, an adult male Big Brown Bat (case number 24-4200) was admitted after being found stuck to a glue trap inside someone’s home. Fortunately, HARP’s expert rehabilitators, including Annie Beliles, HARP’s Bat Specialist, carefully removed him from the trap. Aside from some minor soft tissue inflammation—likely from his attempts to free himself—he is expected to make a full recovery. We are grateful to the individuals who found him and acted promptly to ensure he received the care he needed.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by glue traps, not just to rodents but to a wide range of wildlife, including bats. These traps, which rely on adhesive to ensnare animals, are indiscriminate and inhumane, often causing unnecessary suffering. Instead of relying on such harmful methods, it’s far more effective to humanely deter animals and seal any points of entry into your home, addressing the root of the issue without creating an endless cycle of trapping and removing.
For those interested in learning more about humane pest control options, visit Humane Rodent Solutions. There are numerous effective alternatives that respect both the safety of your home and the well-being of local wildlife.
A Call for Change: The Glue Trap Prohibition Act of 2024
In January 2024, a bill was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives that aims to ban the sale and use of glue traps across the country. This legislation, known as the “Glue Trap Prohibition Act of 2024,” recognizes the cruelty and harm these traps cause and seeks to eliminate their use. For more information on this bill and its progress, you can view the full text here.
How Can You Help Bats?
- Plant native flora that supports food resources.
- Protect natural and even man-made roosting sites, including dead or dying trees!
- If bats need to be excluded, please do so responsibly and humanely.
- Install bat houses for excluded colonies.
- Reduce pesticide use.
- Become an advocate for bats! Debunk common myths and spread awareness about their importance to the environment.
Fun Facts:
- Recent studies estimate that bats consume enough crop pests to save over $1 billion in crop damage and pesticide use in the U.S. corn industry alone.
- There are more than 1,450 species of bats worldwide, which is over 20% of all mammal species!
- Bats are the longest-lived mammals for their size. The oldest bat ever recorded was 41 years old!
As we celebrate Bat Appreciation Month, let’s take a moment to recognize the crucial role bats play in our ecosystems. They help control insect populations and pollinate plants, making them vital to maintaining balance in nature. With the expertise of dedicated professionals like Annie, we can continue to protect and rehabilitate these important creatures. By using humane solutions and advocating for better wildlife protection, we can ensure bats and other creatures continue to thrive in our world.
