Bat (Photo: Arnold on Pixabay)
Anyone who sees something flying at the Bavaria pond in Offenbach on warm late summer evenings might suspect a flock of swallows. In fact, they are often fluttering bats hunting for insects. The small animals are endangered species. Bats hunt insects and limit their population. In this way they contribute to maintaining the natural balance.
Bats are losing more and more roosts due to the demolition of old buildings. That’s why it’s important to know how best to protect and help them. The veterinary office of the city of Offenbach am Main is now providing information on this.
From August onwards, the animals look for shelter in narrow niches and caves. Citizens can support them in this regard. The city of Offenbach has been committed to protecting and improving conditions for bats for several years. The visitor center in the Wetterpark opened in 2014 and is the 850th building in Hesse to be recognized as bat-friendly. Eight artificial bat caves have been part of the Rumpenheim Castle Park since 2018. The summer quarters weigh 16 kilograms and offer protection for the bats.
Help for bats
A bat box in the garden or on the balcony helps with overwintering and raising young animals. Stacks of old wood provide shelter for bats and insects. Another reason why bats are threatened is the large number of insects dying. As a result, the animals find less food and are malnourished or starve. Planting native wildflowers attracts more insects. Many wild animals such as birds, bats and squirrels also enjoy a water bowl that is cleaned daily.
Sometimes bats also get lost in houses and apartments. In this situation, opening windows and closing doors overnight helps. Turning off the light helps the orientation of the light-sensitive bats. If you find an injured or weak bat, especially lying on the ground, there is no need to warm it. However, warmth is helpful for bats or their young that have fallen into the water. By carefully handling frightened animals with gloves, you can protect yourself from a bite. If animals are released again at dusk and do not fly away, you should contact a care station.
background
19 of the world’s approximately 1,000 species live in Hesse. Because their natural living conditions are constantly deteriorating, their population is declining sharply. More than half of the native bat species rely on the shelter provided by buildings, which is essential for their survival. According to Section 10 Paragraph 2 Nos. 10 b and 11b of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, all bat species are among the specially protected species.
Bats face the greatest threat when their winter quarters are degraded or destroyed. This happens when gaps in buildings and cavities in attics and church towers are closed.
For further information, the Office of Veterinary Affairs and Consumer Protection is available at 069/8065-4910.
Bat protection
Nationwide bat hotline: 030/284984-5000
Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
In the summer months of June to August also from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m
(Text: PM City of Offenbach)
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