KING COUNTY, WA - Think you know something about bats? The truth may surprise you.
"There are so many misconceptions about them," said Dr. Marilyn Christensen. "Bats are really wonderful and fascinating creatures."
As Public Health's veterinarian for the past 3-½ years, Christensen has taken hundreds of calls annually from county residents with questions about these mysterious animals.
"The mythology around bats promotes the notion that they are human predators," said Christensen. " As a result, when people encounter bats, they often get frightened."
Some examples of popular myths about bats, according to Christensen:
- Myth: Bats suck blood.
Truth: "Actually, all of the species around here are insectivores. There are also other species in the United States that feed on fruit nectar."
- Myth: Most bats are rabid.
Truth: "Less than 1% of the bat population is rabid."
- Myth: Bats attack people and pets.
Truth: "Even when rabid, bats aren't inclined to go after people. To them, we are the scary ones."
But why do we hear of bats biting people and pets?
"Although it's not common, when people do get bit, it's because they initiate contact," said Christensen. "Someone might pick up a bat from the ground, thinking it's dead, or maybe they try to take a bat from their pet's mouth."
Another common misunderstanding from the public is that all bats are the same.
"Within King County, we have eight species of bats that are regularly seen, with the little brown bat and the big brown bat being the most common," said Christensen.
The differences in species can be quite remarkable. "In fact, a normal-sized little brown bat weighs less than five M&M's"
As for their place of residence, Christensen said that the big and little brown bats are often found in house attics or old barns. " In the past they would live in caves, but as development has moved further out, they've had to find new places to live."
Given that people and bats are increasingly moving into each other's territory, Christensen recommends the following to people who may encounter bats:
- Don't panic - they aren't after you. Most likely, they're chasing an insect, or just curious.
- Know when bats are active. "Generally, bat season runs from April until September. The only bats you're likely to see on Halloween are on costumes or decorations." Bats from this area either go to sleep for the winter or move to more suitable locations.
- If you live in an area that has bats, consider putting screens on your doors and windows: "A bat may chase an insect into your home, and have trouble getting out. There have been a few instances where an injured bat has fallen into someone's bed, and the person is bitten when he or she rolls over on it."
- Don't handle bats, especially those that appear to be sick or injured.
- In the unlikely event that you are bitten by a bat, or if you find a bat in your home when you wake up in the morning, contact the appropriate public health authority for your area, and do not let the bat go. In King County, call Public Health at (206) 296-4774.
- Get your dog and/or cat vaccinated against rabies. "This protects your whole family against the chance of having a rabid pet."
As for Christensen, her passion for educating people about bats continues unabated.
"Bats are important creatures -- one quarter of all of the mammalian species of animals on the planet are bat species."
In fact, many bats serve critical functions in aiding humans. "Some insectivore species are used in place of pesticides for crops, and others serve as essential pollinators - one for the plant that Tequila comes from, no less."
Slowly, Christensen sees the public's understanding about bats changing for the better.
"What's great is that kids seem to really love them, which is a good sign for the future of bats."
For information on bats and rabies, go to the factsheet at Public Health's website at www.metrokc.gov/health/prevcont/bats.htm.
For more fascinating facts on bats, visit the
Bats Northwest website at www.batsnorthwest.org.
