The only mammals who can both flap their wings and fly, bats play a key role in pollinating our crops and controlling insect populations in our neighborhoods.

Sadly, these creatures of the night seldom get the respect they deserve. When bats take up residence in attics or crawlspaces, uninformed homeowners too often panic and resort to lethal measures. And with habitat loss and disease decimating their populations, bats need our help and understanding more than ever.

Injured bonneted bat receives care at South Florida Wildlife Center
Mari Diaz
/
The HSUS
Contrary to popular myth, bats don’t want to suck your blood or fly into your hair.

The last place a bat wants to be is in your hair! But when they get trapped in confined spaces (such as houses), their swooping flight patterns can make it seem like they’re flying at you, when they’re simply trying to stay airborne. Fortunately, there are effective and humane ways for ushering bats outside and you can even provide them a new roosting spot with a DIY bat house.

Bat being given veterinary medical care
The Northern Yellow Bat is one of the most common bat species in Florida. The South Florida Wildlife Center provides veterinary medical care and rehabilitation for these mammals.
SFWC
Did you know?

A single brown bat can catch 600 mosquitoes or more in an hour!

Two deer in a field

Every day, more and more wildlife habitats are lost to the spread of development. Your gift can help create more humane backyards to protect all animals. 

John Harrison