We visited experts at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to help separate fact from fiction and dig deeper into the mysterious world of bats.
Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute Deputy Director Dr. Brian Pierce and AgriLife Extension Senior Program Specialist for School Integrated Pest Management Janet Hurley share what Texans need to know about these often misunderstood mammals. We shared what we should do.
the world needs bats
From cute Instagram-worthy faces to ones only moms and biologists would love, bats all play an important role in ecosystems and are critical to biodiversity, human health, and agriculture.
Do you hate mosquitoes? Bats have your back. They can eat their weight in insects each night. Its insect-rich diet helps protect crops from pests. Bats also act as pollinators for more than 300 fruits and disperse seeds of nuts, figs, and cocoa.
“All species have an important role to play in our environment,” Pierce said. “It just so happens that bats play a role we don’t really see. Plants won’t be able to pollinate, and the impact on agriculture will be huge.”
bat fiction or fact
Here are some commonly held bat beliefs that have been shaken up, and some fascinating facts that are true.
Bats are not blind. They have excellent eyesight, but also use sound waves and echolocation to help them navigate and find food. Only a few species actually drink blood. Most people stick to eating insects, small reptiles, fruits and pollen. Bats fly to your head and do not “attack”. If you’re dive-bombed by a bat, the bat will likely swoop down to grab the mosquitoes and insects you attract. Its size varies from small to several pounds. Bumble bats weigh less than a penny, while flying foxes and fruit bats can have wingspans of more than 4 feet. Each species speaks their own language with their own utterances. Not all bats live in the cave colony. Some species are lonely and prefer to have their own small space.冬の間に冬眠する個体もいますが、暖かい気候に移動する個体もいます。 Some people live in Texas full-time, while for others Texas is just a relocation destination.
bat protection
As Texas’ population continues to grow, it is important that landowners consider land use changes that may impact bats.
“They traditionally return to the same place to roost again and again,” Hurley said. There’s a good chance they’ll try to get there.”
Whether you’re looking to protect habitat, build structures for bats, or take steps to reduce the likelihood of accidental close encounters in and around your home, Texas A&M AgriLife can provide a wide range of expert advice. Masu.
For example, Hurley teaches experts how to keep bats out of schools and other buildings, and what to do if you come into contact with one.
“The chance of direct contact with a bat is very low, but please use common sense,” Hurley said. “Bits and scratches should obviously be seen by a doctor as they can carry rabies.”
Where to see bats in Texas
When you can see bats depends on the species and the time of year. Bats typically emerge from hibernation around March. As temperatures begin to drop, migratory bats begin their journey south from September to November.
If you want to safely observe bats in Texas, go to established viewing locations where you can keep your distance and not disturb the bats.
Most viewing locations are in the Hill Country or around Houston, but bats can be seen throughout the state. From Austin’s world-famous Congress Avenue Bridge colony (the world’s largest urban colony) to the privately owned Julio Bat Cave, which houses nearly 10 million bats, Texas is a bat lover’s dream. It’s a place.