The Uintah Basin is home to multiple species of bats and the Division of Wildlife Resources is reminding all that bat encounters can occur in the summer so please stay aware. If bats roost in your attic they are probably a maternity colony of female bats that have taken residence to give birth in the late spring and raise their young. Bats are a protected wildlife species making it illegal to kill them so unless there is a human health and safety issue, it is not permitted to remove a bat colony until the young can fly and the problem can be humanely addressed. If you have a colony, contact a permitted wildlife nuisance control company and coordinate with the DWR for the right time to have the colony removed. Because bats can carry rabies, be sure to never handle a bat with your bare hands. If you do have physical contact with a bat, contact the health department for guidance. If you find a bat inside the living area of your home, open a door or window, turn off the lights and turn on an outdoor light. Leave the room and allow the bat to leave on its own. More information on safely dealing with bats can be found at wildlife.utah.gov.
