Report your bats
Dead or sick bat:
With the growing number of detections of White Nose Syndrome and Pd (the fungus responsible) in Washington State, the BC Community Bat Program is asking for the public’s help in reporting dead or sick bats. From Nov 1 through May 31 (WNS surveillance period), If possible, collect the dead bat (without touching them with bare hands) and wrap with a paper towel and place in a plastic zip lock bag. Contact your local bat program immediately (Find your regional bat program here). Refrigerate the specimen or freeze if it will be longer than 48 hours before the bat is picked up. White Nose Syndrome is a fungus that is not harmful to humans.
Whether you have bats and want them out of your house or are happy leaving the colony where it is, reporting your colony helps us keep track of bats in BC. The Project Biologist in your region can discuss your bat issues with you and help you develop a conservation-based strategy for removing them that will get them out without hurting them or you (if that is your goal). We are also very happy to hear from landowners who are happy to have their bats where they are so we can provide you with information to identify and monitor the bat colony. All 17 species of bats in BC are protected under the Provincial Wildlife Act.
Arrival dates in spring
Roost owners/stewards: Please check your roost every two weeks in spring and report the date you first notice bats at your roost site. Because WNS may cause early emergence from hibernation, this can help us track disease spread. Once bats are back, monitor regularly for dead bats and report any carcasses.
To report your bats please fill out this form or email info@bcbats.ca or call 1-855-922-2287. Or click on the “contact us” link to report to the community bat program in your region.