Believe it or not, we get quite a few calls regularly from people that have found a wild bat and want to keep it. We only have one thing to say about this: That’s a very bad idea. On a broad level nationwide there are numerous laws about people keeping bats or transporting them.
“Regulations govern the taking of bats from the wild, and any exchange between individuals or organizations. The transfer of bats is carefully regulated by the CDC. USDA permits from the Animal Health Inspection Service are required, and special permitting regulations now apply at the state level. Interstate laws also prohibit transport of these animals without special authority. To keep bats in captivity one must have the necessary state and local permits for native wildlife. Bats cannot be transported within the USA without a CDC permit. And even then, bats can only be transferred to an institution that is bona fide sanctuary, zoological or scientific organization or registered establishments that have approved facilities and/or certified education programs.” -Bat World Sanctuary https://batworld.org/pet-bats/
Bat Laws Vary State to State
Each state has its own laws or guidelines regarding bats. One of the most interesting laws we have found though is regarding bats in schools in Texas.
Texas state law requires that a district takes these specific actions after bats are found in any school facility:
- The bat and colony (if present) must be removed.
- Repairs must be made so that bats are excluded in the future.
- The areas where bats roosted must be disinfected.
A bat must be captured (if possible) and submitted to a state-approved laboratory if:
- It is found in a room with an unattended child, a sleeping person, or an intoxicated or mentally impaired person.
- There is the possibility that a person has had direct contact with a bat.
With school starting back up this is something many of us at Get Bats Out have been discussing. One big question we have is why isn’t this standard everywhere?!? Texas is the only state with a law on the books that requires bats to be removed from a school.
We aren’t trying to start a political revolution, we’re just curious about it. Do any of you have any experience with your child’s school having bats in the building? We’d love to hear your story. Visit our Facebook page by clicking here and tell us your experience.
If you are concerned there may be bats in your child’s school, send the principal our way. Send them to this blog and use the link below.
Your local bat removal expert,
Michael Koski
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