Bat House Forum

[cdsjerry]

Our town is building a new school and the old school is being torn down. There are currently LOTS of bats living in the old building. I don't know how many, but people drive to the school in the evening to watch them all come out. It's a sight.

The current plans don't include anything about the bats so when the old school is torn down next summer, the bats will suddenly become homeless and/or destroyed in the process.

Given the large quantity of bats what can I do? I don't know what support, if any, I can get from the school but at this point I don't even know what I should be asking for. I'm looking for advice.

[Cheryl]

First of all, what climate are we talking about? What country, what state?

Second, knowledge is power. Find printable literature to show the School System and/or the city/state -- show them what will happen when the home for these bats disappears. Start a fundraiser for a large bat house in a close but safe area?? This has been done in similar situations. The townspeople can still come to watch the bats emerge, maybe even with bleacher seating!

If the bats migrate seasonally, that is a definite plus. If not - or if builders can't wait until their absence - then there are still other options. Do a search on Bat Exclusion (this is how to remove bats without injuring them).

Also try doing Internet searches on Bat Management and Conservation.

Here's a neat example: http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/wildli ... thouse.php

[cdsjerry]

This is a public school located just north of Dayton Ohio in a small town. There are soccer and baseball fields all around the back of the school, and a small group of trees in a park around the front of the school.

I don't know what kind of bats they are. I know nothing about bats. I don't know if they migrate or not. I have no way to get up to the area where the bats come out of the school as I don't work there or anything. I asked the superintendent about the bats but I didn't even get a response from him so I don't really think he cares one way or the other. His hands are full with the building project.

[Dave Miller]

A couple of thoughts:

1. Here is some info on Ohio's bats: http://www.ohiodnr.gov/Portals/9/pdf/pub371.pdf
2. You should find someone in Ohio who works with bats and knows the state laws regarding bats. Here is a list of wildlife rehabilitators in Ohio who should know: http://www.batworld.org/local_rescue/ma ... .list.html
3. Get the word out in as many ways as possible about the bats in the school, the benefits of bats to the local community, and the significant threats to bats (e.g. loss of natural & man-made roosts, white-nose syndrome, etc.). I would start by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper. The people in this forum can help you write the letter.
4. It sounds like there are already people in the community who appreciate these bats, which is great news. You should try to find out who they are.
5. If the school has a biology and/or science teacher, contact them and see if they want to work with you. This would be a fantastic learning and community-building experience for the students.
6. Is there a college nearby? If so contact their biology or science department and explain the situation. They may be interested in helping out.