It is bat season, and there is a rise in bats needing a little helping hand; this is what to do if you find a bat in need of help.
Johannesburg, South Africa (09 December 2021) – Every year, around this time, the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital sends out a plea to the public to be aware of baby birds and bats in the garden.
As it is bat season, the likelihood of finding a baby bat is higher. The vet has seen a rise in cases and wanted to raise some awareness as well as share helpful information about the various ways to help.
“BAT SEASON is well under way, and we have had a few queries as well as patients brought in. Urban development can result in fewer suitable roost sites for bats, such as caves, dead trees and natural cavities, thus forcing bats to seek alternative roosting sites – making roofs and ceilings the next optimal site for many bat species.
Bats play an instrumental role in our ecosystem. Insectivorous bats are a wonderful natural pest control while other species play a vital roll in pollinating crops, thus being of great value to the agricultural sector.
Bat exclusions, or removing bats from your roof requires specialist knowledge. Bats are currently in their breeding season and it is unethical to remove or disrupt bat roosts between October and March. For further information on bat exclusions, or if you would like to make your environment more bat friendly, contact EcoSolutions Urban Ecology.
Found a bat? Check out our flow chart. If in any doubt, contact us: 071 248 1514″
One of the supporters of the vet shared how she helps the bats found near her home.
“We find many baby bats here in the Coves in Hartebeespoortdam. We were told to tie a dish cloth on a hanger, put the bat on the cloth and hang it high up on a beam or drain. Every time I have done this I have seen the parents fetch the baby, they are the cutest little things” – Candice Geldenhuys
The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital treats indigenous for free, so they rely on donations to keep doing the excellent work they do. Below are the various payment options for the Wildlife Vet; they rely on donations, so if you can, you can donate through the methods below.
They have several ways that people can help. They accept donations here or see their full wishlist here. An easy way to get involved is to also nominate them on your MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet rewards card, which you can do so here. Or via direct bank transfer, see their banking details below.
Snapscan: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/PXMP5766
Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr… (For the USA and international-based donors)
Johannesburg Wildlife NPC
FNB Cheque account
Account nr: 62658400264
Branch code: 255355
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
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