Science: Protecting the Bat Population

Ceci Connolly was online at Monday, Oct. 16 at Noon ET to discuss her Science Page story about a cross-border alliance between the U.S. and Mexico to protect the bat population of northern Mexico. The bats, which eat one-quarter of their body weight in insects every night, serve as a cost effective form of pest control.

"Sure, bats are creepy. They hang upside down, squeal at high decibels and turn up in movies as blood-sucking fiends. Some even spread rabies," writes Connolly. "But in the global ecosystem, bats are our allies."

Read the full story here: Mexican Bats Find Cross-Border Benefactors (Post, Oct. 16).

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Ceci Connolly: Greetings everyone. We're here to discuss bats. I'll go straight to your questions.

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Wheaton, Md.: Why do you think there is so much fear of bats? Is it the vampire movies? Since they eat mosquitoes, I wish there were more of them.

Ceci Connolly: Before researching this article, I thought bats were pretty creepy. I think they have a bad reputation in part because of mass media such as movies and in part because scientists spent too much time talking to each other, as one of the researchers in the story observed.

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Arlington, VA: An excellent Article. What can individuals do to help?

Ceci Connolly: Thanks, it was a fascinating story to report. There are a number of conservation groups that focus on bats. The preeminent organization is Bat Conservation International. You might want to contact them or one of the others involved with protecting bats. I goggled bats and found several good groups and useful educational material.

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Washington D.C.: how many species of bats are there

Ceci Connolly: Scientists have identified more than 1,000 species of bats to date. Bats represent close to one-quarter of all mammal species.

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NoVa: As a BCI member, I try to "stick up" for bats every time I hear people spreading misinformation about them. I'm quite sad that we no longer have bats at the National Zoo. I think getting kids interested in bats (and other animals with undeserved bad reputations) is an important step in saving species. Any idea how we can get our bats back?

Ceci Connolly: It is unfortunate. My best advice would be to lobby the curators of the National Zoo, which is run by the Smithsonian. Bat tourism is actually becoming more popular.

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Broomfield, Colo.: I recently built a bat house. Is there anything I can do to attract bats to the house - to get them to move in? The house is on a 12 foot pole that gets about 8 hours of sunlight a day.

Ceci Connolly: Wow, that's a great question and a fascinating decision on your part. I'm interested to know why you built a bat house. I don't know for certain how to attract bats, but I would suspect having the food they like, such as insects, would help. I suggest contacting Bat Conservation International or a local zoo for advice.

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Mpls, Minn.: I've always wanted a bathouse but a vet warned the risk of rabies was too high. Sound advice or overreation?

Ceci Connolly: In the course of reporting this story, I learned that concern about rabies is greatly exaggerated. That said, it is wise to be careful around bats. The experts I interviewed take the precaution of wearing gloves when they work with bats, in case of a bite.

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Baltimore, Md.: I love bats. I think your work is important - thank you for pursuing it. My question is what is being done to rehabilitate U.S. urban bat populations. The reason I ask is because there has been a boom in the mosquito population in the east and a corresponding spread of west nile virus. I wonder if bats might be a natural solution to the problem as opposed to the haphazard spraying of pesticide.

Ceci Connolly: Slowly, environmental groups and farmers are working together on this front. When humans wipe out bat roosts, it is most often out of ignorance. Educating farmers, developers and the public is probably the best way to insure the roosts remain and the population flourishes. One researcher told me that when Pronatura Noreste put up a sign outside the Boca cave explaining the good things bats do for the region, visitors were much more careful.

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West Chester, Pa.: Fascinating. I never knew of bats' amazing pest-control abilities. Is there any application of this for the non-commercial farmer, or even amateur gardener?

Ceci Connolly: Excellent question. I know I'd like to have a couple bats hanging around my patio around dinner time. I don't know if there's a way to import a small population of bats to a home garden, but encouraging protection of bats even 50 miles from your home will deliver some benefits. Every night bats fly great distances to eat, so we all reap the benefits of bat protection.

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Boston, Mass.: Aside from the very real problem that insects pose to crops, is anyone involved in this effort considering the growing threat that insects present as vectors for disease? In New England, several people have died in recent months from the infectious disease Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) as well as West Nile, both viruses transmitted from mosquitoes. These deaths have prompted heavy insecticide spraying which are costly and of questionable safety as well as efficacy. People who fear these emerging diseases (which will worsen as the globe's temperature increases allowing greater regions of the warm climates in which mosquito's thrive) might be another advocacy group for bat protection.

Ceci Connolly: An excellent point. During my years writing about healthcare I came to better appreciate the threats of those viruses and the role insects play in carrying them. It's a great question to pose to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

I'm writing from Panama, where I learned that frogs play a similar role and need protection as well.

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Dallas, Tex.: It's worth noting that it's not only the Mexican bat population that's endangered: many African bat species are in dire straits, which only increases the risk of insect-borne disease epidemics. Closer to home, there are several species south of the DC area, such as the Virginia big-eared bat, that have been endangered due to human encroachment on their habitats.

Ceci Connolly: Yes, very good points. Although this article focused primarily on the Mexican free-tailed bat, the Cueva de la Boca has at least 3 other species in it. Researchers believe that all of these species will benefit from the purchase of Boca. In addition, many bats are pollinators, which means they help keep our plant crops flourishing and diverse.

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Friendship, Md.: Re earlier question: There's quite a bit of information about building bat houses on the internet. The usual problem is bats are very temperature sensitive, so one may have to try a number of spots to find one that the bats like. However, be sure first that the neighbors are ok with the bat house for the safety of the bats.

Ceci Connolly: Great advice! In the DC area, the Smithsonian has a couple of bat experts, including researcher Don Wilson.

And remember, bats cover huge distances each night, so you don't need the bat roost in the backyard to benefit. Perhaps a community effort to develop or protect a roost is the way to reduce pests and keep the neighbors happy.

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Bowie: I recently visited Austin, Tex., and viewed its famous bat bridge. Is part of the decline of Mexico's (bat) population due to increased building in the United States, so some of the same bats have simply moved to a more favorable environment?

Ceci Connolly: Construction can harm roosts, no doubt about it. In a few cases, environmentalists have been able to work with developers on a bat rescue prior to construction.

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Beltsville, Md.: What is being done to educate and inform the farmers and other locals of both the current decline in bat populations and their beneficial role as pest control?

Ceci Connolly: Most of the scientists and environmentalists I interviewed were cognizant of the need to do more on the education front. Some zoos and museums have gotten involved. One of the big challenges I see is that scientists can speak in very complicated, technical terms. So educational efforts really need to be brought down to a level we can all understand.

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Ocean City, N.J.: The bats roosted in the eaves of our summer house, waking up the children in the early morning hours. On the other hand the mosquito population diminished. Any advice on the squeal issue?

Ceci Connolly: Gosh, I wish I knew the answer to that. My impression is that bats just squeal. Any other thoughts out there?

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Takoma Park, Md.: I love bats. They are so misunderstood by the general public. I also encourage folks to check out Bat Conservation International (BCI). They do great work and have great teaching resources. One year I bought these little 2x4 pamphlets on interesting bat facts from BCI that I handed out to kids along with candy on Halloween. They were a BIG hit.

Ceci Connolly: Yes, I agree. BCI is involved in great work to protect bat populations and educate the public. There are several regional groups involved, as well as some that I found in the UK.

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Hilton Head, S.C.: How do bats behave around humans? Do they stay at a distance like most birds, or would they disrupt the family barbeque in the backyard?

Ceci Connolly: First of all, bats are nocturnal, so for the most part they are out and about while we are sleeping.

They do emerge around dusk (or barbecue time) but they do not as a general rule interfere with humans. In other words, they are like many animals in their natural habitat: Don't bother them and they won't bother you.

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Boston, Mass.: Do bats really like to roost in people's hair?

Ceci Connolly: Only if you have a very large, dark, cavelike hairdo.

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Washington, D.C.: Fascinating subject--thanks for doing this. How large a bat population does a city like Washington have? What species live here? And how many individuals is one likely to find roosting together in an urban area?

Ceci Connolly: I'm not well versed on the bat population in the DC area, but perhaps someone else can send along some details.

Certainly, bats can and do live in certain urban environments. They may live under a bridge or in the eaves of a building (often abandoned).

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Washington, D.C.: We had a small lake near our house growing up, and we would sit at its edges at dusk and watch the bats swoop over the water, dropping their jaw to get a drink in flight. My parents reminded us constantly that bats were the best friends we had in the constant battle against mosquitoes, and so I grew up with very fond feelings about the little critters. Here's hoping that the new conservation program can educate folks about them, and can be passed on to future generations. Thanks for your article!

Ceci Connolly: Thanks for your comments. I don't think I can add much more to that.

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Washington, D.C.: I've wanted to put up a bathouse in our backyard, but we live in Capitol Hill, with a postage-stamp sized yard. Should we even bother -- ie: would the bats ever find the house in such a congested area and want to live there? Similarly, are there other reasons not to do this (too close to human habitation, etc..). I've heard rumors bat droppings can cause respiratory issues, and there's the oft-mentioned rabies paranoia. (we have a 3-yr-old son and certainly don't want to compromise his health). Are these valid concerns, or should I go ahead and put the house up? Thanks!

Ceci Connolly: Scientists taught me that many of the fears about bats come from misunderstanding. That said, with a tiny yard, your place may not be the most conducive spot for a bat roost.

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Laurel: Are there any common home maintenance or gardening practices that are harmful to bats?

Ceci Connolly: Pesticides can harm bats, as they do insects. Fires are also great hazards, as bats can be suffocated by the smoke if they are trapped in a cave or roost.

Some bats are food for other animals, such as the peregrine falcon near the Boca cave. But that's nature's way.

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Columbia Heights: What's the downside of a local bat population? Other than the emotional nonsense about vampires, and the totally-overplayed rabies fears, what could happen if bats got TOO comfortable in one area?

Ceci Connolly: Rabies and bat droppings, called guano, pose some risks. But most of the scientists suggest that if bats are left to their own devices they really don't interfere with people.

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Washington, D.C.: There's a trick that I've seen beekeepers do, where they assemble on themselves a "beard of bees." Would it be similarly possible for a trained bat handler to build a "beard of bats"?

Ceci Connolly: I suspect it is possible. Some of the Mexican scientists I worked with were totally at ease with the bats and had a way to keep the animal calm. One project currently under way is an effort to track bats by putting a small tracking device on them.

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Sumerduck, Va.: I often have bats around my place way out here in the country, and I can't help but wonder: Do they make good eating?

Ceci Connolly: Ick!!!!!!

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Arlington, Va.: I work nights. Can bats be kept as pets?

Ceci Connolly: I don't know the answer this question, but I'm posting it in the hopes someone out there might be able to illuminate us. Is it legal or wise? I would wonder if a pet bat would really be happy confined to a small space.

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Munich, Germany: The closest I've ever come to bat is one hanging upside down in an outdoor shower. It stared at me with big reddish eyes for a couple of seconds, but fortunately, it flew off before I stepped into shower. You mention in your article that larger bats are known to attack animals, but is there anything to worry about smaller bats, even millions of smaller bats?

Ceci Connolly: Not that I'm aware of. Bat species vary in their eating habits and function in society, but the dangers all around appear to be quite minor.

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Washington D.C.: what types of bats are found in Washington D.C.?

Ceci Connolly: I've gotten several questions like this and don't know the answer. But here are a couple good links.

http://bloodiest/searchfiles/infosearch.cfm?view=all&IDNumber=664

http://www.batcon.org/home/default.asp

http://www.bats.org.uk/

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Washington, D.C.: I've always been a fan of bats, mainly because I know they eat the bugs that like to eat me! Are there opportunities in this area to volunteer to help educate the public and/or work to preserve local bat populations?

Ceci Connolly: I've already mentioned BCI. But there are several bat conservation groups. Also, environmental groups such as the Nature Conservancy and Pronatura Noreste work on bat protection. Here are a couple more.

http://www.batroost.com/

http://www.californiabats.com/

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Kensington, Md.: I'm interested in bat echolocation. Does it have a theraputic effect on humans?

Ceci Connolly: That sounds like another good Science Page story idea. I promise to do some checking.

In the meantime, bat lovers should be aware that numerous universities are involved in the study of bats. I know of experts at Boston University, the University of California, Ohio State and Cornell University.

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Monte Rio, Calif.: In answer to the person asking if bats make good pets: No. The bats we have in North America or almost all insect eaters. If we kept a bat for a pet, we would need to let it fly out at night to forage, and although in some limited cases a bat might take up permanent residence with us, it is unlikely. To keep a bat contained is inhumane. What's more, we would need to feed mealworms each night. It needs to be free to go out each night. Providing the right nutrients in their diets is difficult, especially when they are babies.

Ceci Connolly: Passing along this information.

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Washington, D.C.: To the person who wanted to know how to attract bats, a friend in AZ sent me a picture of bats feeding from her hummingbird feeder at 10 p.m. Don't know if that would appeal to all bats, or just the AZ ones.

Ceci Connolly: FYI

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Silver Spring, Md.: Here's some info on attracting bats. Complete info is at http://www/Favorites2_bats.htm

Bats have to find the bat houses on their own. Just like with purple martins, you need to put up a good house in a good location, and wait. Odds are very good at attracting bats if you follow the guidelines listed below.

Ceci Connolly: And more good information.

Thanks to all of you bat lovers out there.

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Ceci Connolly: Friends, thanks so much for joining us today. Tune in next Monday for more Science chat.

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