September 2000, Our Visit to the Austin Zoo

Bat Conservation International

What is the Bat Conservation International?

Bat Conservation International (BCI) has a mission of protecting bats and their habitats world wide.  To accomplish this goal, BCI performs research in association with several government agencies, including the Texas Department of Transportation.  Despite the large numbers of bats in the Austin area, the bat population is dwindling and many species are endanger of extinction.  Research and development of alternative habitats, through this united effort, can help save the bats.  BCI also works to educate the public about the numerous benefits of bats

BCI was founded in 1982 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by Merlin Tuttle.  Merlin Tuttle worked with a research assistant to study bats and their habitats.  In 1986, BCI was moved to Austin, Texas and two additional employees were added.  Today, BCI employees 40 people.

Where are the Austin Bats from?

The Mexican Free-Tailed Bats migrate in from Mexico in mid-March for the summer.  These are the popular bats at the Congress and Round Rock Bridges.  Texas also plays host to 30 other different species of bats.  So different varieties of bats call Austin home.

How long have they been here?

Technically, we are the newcomers, the bats found Austin long before we did.  Some of the Mexican Free-Tailed Bats even choose to stick around for the winter, while most of the colony heads back to Mexico in the fall.

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What attracted them to Austin?

The warm environment and numerous insects provides a perfect summer setting for the bats and their young.  Previously, smaller groups of bats lived in stadiums, buildings and parking garages.

When the Congress bridge was reconstructed in 1980, Austinites were surprised to discover this was a new home for the bats.  Many were very concerned and wanted to poison them.  BCI stepped in and pointed out the many good qualities of bats and shattered many of the myths that people believed.

Do they attack people?

Despite the horror movies you may have seen, the Mexican Free-Tailed Bats are very gentle creatures.  They do not attack and will do their best to avoid you.  However, if you pick one up, they may bite out of fear.  The number one rule in enjoying the bats is:  DO NOT HANDLE THE BATS.

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Photographs always show ferocious looking bats.  Are you sure they are gentle?

The pictures of bats bearing their fangs are pictures of bats being mishandled.  If you were held by your fingers and toes, I doubt you'd be smiling.  The bats are bearing their fangs to scare the holder away.  They will bear their fangs to scare a predator before they will ever bite.

There are different pictures of bats flying with their mouths open.  These bats are actually using their advanced radar system, called echolocation.  A bat must be capable of making certain sounds and capable of hearing the resulting echoes that bounce off of nearby objects.  Only 70% of all bats have this capability.

BCI's pictures of bats show a much different creature.  Check their website for some fabulous photos.

What should you do if you see a bat nearby?

You can safely watch it.  Simply DO NOT HANDLE IT.  If you do not touch them, bats are not dangerous.

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What about rabies?

Less than one half of one percent of all bats have rabies.  Historically since 1980, only one person per year in the United States has contracted rabies from a bat.  In the last two years, no one has been affected.  Keep in mind that thousands of people watch the bats each year at the Congress bridge and there has yet to be an incident reported.   In fact, more people are bitten by rabid dogs than by rabid bats.  

What if a bat invades your home?

The BCI website has many EASY, EFFECTIVE tips on safely removing the bat.  Generally the occasional bat that "breaks in" to your home is a young lost bat.  If you open a window, it will usually fly out.   Alternatively, you can use a coffee can to cover the bat.  Use the lid to close the can.  Leather gloves can be used to pick up the bat, as well.  Do not try to touch the bat with your bare hands.  Once caught, you can release it outside.

If a colony begins to roost in your house, there are easy methods to let the bats remove themselves before sealing all small holes.  More Tips from the experts at BCI.

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What if you have touched a bat?

According to BCI's guidelines, you should:

1. Find a teacher or other adult and tell them right away.
2. Call Animal Control at 708-6090 and tell them what happened.
3. Find out where the bat is now and tell others not to handle it.

It's fun to watch bats, but you should never touch any that may be on the ground.  Bats on the ground or in low places may be sick with rabies.

Learn more about the bats

A world without bats

See BCI's Website for LOTS of Bat Information:  www.batcon.org
You'll find out about the Many Bat Myths, Many Bat Facts, Information on Building Bat Houses, Information on the Bat's Radar System and much, much more.

BCI will have a booth at the upcoming Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo.

BCI is supported through memberships and grants.

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