The B.C. government is asking people to make sure they are not accidentally taking stowaway bats for a free ride when they return from their summer travels.
“Little brown bats, and other bat species, sometimes hide in nooks and crannies of trailers, campers, umbrellas, trucks and other vehicles, and inadvertently take a ride hundreds or thousands of kilometres from home,” said a Ministry of Environment information bulletin released last week. “This is not only bad for lost stowaway bats, but if they carry white-nose syndrome, it can spell devastation for local bat populations.”
Though it has not taken hold in B.C. yet, wildlife health experts are concerned bats inadvertently moved long distances could cause the fungal disease to spread to B.C. bat populations.
Truckers are also being asked to inspect trailers and shipping containers for potential stowaways.
Bat tips:
• If you do find a bat in your vehicle after a long trip, please notify the B.C. Wildlife Health Program (250 751-3219 or 250 751-3234) or the BC Community Bat Program (1-855-922-2287 or [email protected]).
• Never touch a bat with your bare hands.
• Use a thick towel, oven mitts or a leather glove to remove a bat, or gently nudge the bat into a container using a whisk broom, and safely release it.
• A small percentage (less than 0.5%) of bats in B.C. carry the rabies virus. It is important to protect yourself, as you cannot tell from just looking at a bat if it is infected or not.
• If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, you should immediately wash the affected area with warm, soapy water and seek medical care.
