Utahns may see more bats this time of year because baby bats are learning to fly and leaving their roosts for the first time. The DWR wants citizens to know that groups of bats in homes are often maternity colonies of female bats and their babies and it is illegal to kill them. The females typically come out of hibernation and take up residence in a structure to give birth, usually in May or June. June to August is the hardest time of year for dealing with bat issues. Preventing the mothers from returning to their roosting spot will kill the babies. Poorly timed removals also often lead to bats finding their way inside someone’s home because the mothers are trying to reach their young. So, unless there is a human health and safety issue where bats are coming into close contact with people, it is not permitted to remove a bat colony during this time of year. If you suspect there is a colony of bats in your attic, you should contact a local, permitted wildlife nuisance control company for help. The DWR will then coordinate with that company to authorize the removal at specific times of the year that won’t harm the pups.
