KING COUNTY, WA - As the weather warms up for summer, bats are returning from wintering spots to make residence in suburban and urban areas around Seattle and King County.
"This is the time of the year when we receive the most calls from people about bat encounters," said Marilyn Christensen, Veterinarian for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "We reassure people that these bats are insect eaters, and aren't inclined to go after humans or pets. To bats, we're the scary ones."
Although not common, when people do get bit, it is often because they initiate contact. "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," said Christensen.
Because people and bats are increasingly moving into each other's territory, Christensen recommends the following simple precautions that people should take:
- Don't panic: They aren't after you. Most likely, they're chasing an insect, or just curious.
- If you live in an area that has bats, consider putting screens on your doors and windows: The warm weather that brings the bats out also encourages us to leave our doors and windows open, which invites bats into our houses. "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. "Discuss this with your children. Even when capturing a bat for possible testing, do not use bare hands. Place something over them, slide something under to contain them.
- 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." The national recommendation for an unvaccinated animal that has been exposed to a bat is either euthanasia or six months strict quarantine.
For information on bats and rabies, go to the factsheet at Public Health's website at www.metrokc.gov/health/prevcont/bats.htm.
Myths and facts about bats:
"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, and even rabies-positive bats do not become aggressive."
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."
For more facts on bats, visit the Bats Northwest website at www.batsnorthwest.org.
