Less than one percent of the bat population contracts rabies, which is a much lower rate of incidence than other mammals. Still, you should not handle or disturb bats, especially those that are active and appear sick during daylight hours. All bat bites should be washed immediately with soap and water, and a physician should be consulted.
Do vampire bats really exist? Yes, but not in most of the United States. Of the three species of vampire bats in North America, only a single specimen has been recorded for the United States in extreme southwest Texas. Vampire bats do not suck blood--they make a small incision with their sharp front teeth and lap up the blood with their tongue.
What time of day are bats most active? Bats are the most active at night between the hours of dusk to dawn. As night approaches, bats begin to increase their activity. They will start flying around their cave and then leave in search of food and water. Bats will typically feed for about an hour or two, rest for a bit, then feed again before daybreak.
Not all wildlife removal companies are the same. Some have experience with bat removal projects, and are familiar with the proper methods for bat exclusion. But others use incorrect techniques, such as bat traps, summer exclusions, or worse, fumigants.
What should I do if I find dead or dying bats, or if I observe bats with signs of White-nose Syndrome? If you find a dead or dying bat: Contact your state wildlife agency, file an electronic report in those states that offer this service, e-mail U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists in your area, or contact your nearest Fish and Wildlife Service field office to report your potential White-nose Syndrome (WNS) observations.
Where do bats live? Bats can be found in almost all parts of the world and in most regions of the United States. In general, bats seek out a variety of daytime retreats such as caves, rock crevices, old buildings, bridges, mines, and trees. Different species require different roost sites.
Is it dangerous to have bats in your house? Bats can also damage your home. They can chew into walls, damage insulation or damage wiring as well. Bat guano is a carrier of the fungus histoplasma capsulatum. Another serious risk from bats, although rare, is the possibility of a bat transmitting rabies to a human from a bite.