suziesden.com

It’s not just a catchphrase! Bats are thought to inhabit more than a third of the churches in England. But with the destruction of woodland means more bats are seeking refuge in the churches which could cause thousands of pounds worth of damage. Parishes are trying to find a compromise to allow these incredible mammals a place to live…but without the mess of the bats droppings! Some are trying to tempt them back to the belfry or towers of their church instead of the main building so the bats cause less damage. It’s a delicate balance as bats are a protected species in the country and damaging its roosting place is actually a criminal offence.

Not often you get the chance to write a headline like that! Peru have issued a warning in a remote Amazonian area as bloodsucking vampire bats have caused an outbreak in rabies. These mammals survive on blood, normally from wildlife and livestock but have been known to turn to humans, especially where their habitat has been destroyed.

Being such voracious feeders of bugs and insects, bats could be a farmer’s best friend! The Bat Conservation International are working with farmers to create a mutually beneficial environment; homes for bats and less need for insecticides.
See if you have bats in your area and keep an eye out for bat poo! It might look a lot like mouse droppings, but the main difference is it’ll crumble between your fingers as it’s mostly delicate moths.