Here’s some great information about some little batty friends, who just want to live, from our Weston Animal Control Officer, Karen O’Reilly:

August is the time of year that we receive the most calls regarding bats found within a home. This is because they may be roosting in attics where it becomes too hot and humid and they are seeking a place to cool off.

If there is no direct contact and no potential contact with the bat, it should be released or allowed to get outside on its own through an open window. Bats feed at night so typically will leave after dark.

If the bat was found in a room with a sleeping person, incapacitated person or an unattended young child or pet, the bat unfortunately will need to be captured and tested for rabies.

Bats are essential to our environment and eat tons of mosquitos each night. Please do not randomly kill a bat. Allow them to leave peacefully! For more great information on bats, visit this link: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/bats-in-the-home.

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Important Update August 30: After releasing this post, a resident contacted me to tell me her daughter’s story, which has a bit of a scary ending. Her 29-year-old daughter who lives in Los Angeles, noted a three-pronged bite on her ribs and after encouragement from her doctor and mom, went to the emergency room. It turned out to be a bat bite, and the bat had been rabid. After lengthy treatment, she is safe. If you believe you have been bitten by an animal, please seek medical attention immediately.