Are bats protected in GA?
Yohn explained that all of Georgia’s 16 bat species are protected by state law and it is illegal to kill or harm them. The Georgia Wildlife Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources notes that in most situations, bats-in-the-attic problems can be resolved with no harm to the animals.
When Can bats be removed in Georgia?
What time of year should you remove bats? Bat exclusions should be avoided between April 1st and July 31st in Georgia. During this time of year, bat pups are too young to fly and may become trapped and die inside structures.
Is it illegal to shoot bats in Georgia?
In Georgia, it’s illegal to intentionally kill or harm any of the sixteen Georgia native species. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said you should only expel the bats from your home if absolutely necessary, and it must be done by a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator.
Can you call police for a bat?
Contact your local animal control department. In some rural areas, or after business hours, the police department may handle the animal control services. Tell the animal control officer you have an emergency, there is a bat in the house, and there is a possible exposure to rabies.
When can I remove bats from my house?
If the bats have taken up residence, plan to evict them in late summer or early spring, not after birthing season, when pups (who can’t fly) would be orphaned and die. Don’t evict them in winter, when they’re hibernating and can’t fly out.
Where do bats live in Georgia?
Big brown bat, silver-haired bat, eastern red bat and the hoary bat all live in, or migrate through, North Georgia. The big brown bat is found most commonly in North Georgia’s forested areas and in suburban areas near farmland. Silver-haired bats also live and hibernate in forests.
Are bats protected by law?
Bats have been a protected species for quite some time, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the Conservation Regulations 1994. Under these acts, it is a criminal offence to: Intentionally capture, injure or kill a bat. Disturb a bat in its roost or deliberately disturb a group of bats.
How many species of bats are in Georgia?
Georgia is home to 16 species of bats! Bats are a valuable and fascinating part of Georgia’s natural heritage. They provide a beneficial service by foraging on flying insects, many of which are pests.
Is it dangerous to have bats in the wild?
However, bats in the wild and undisturbed by people do not pose a health threat. For more about bats and viruses: Watch: Why Do Bats Carry So Many Dangerous Diseases ?
Why are there so many bats in China?
Although the original source of the virus is unknown, some bat species in China are natural wildlife reservoirs for SARS-associated coronaviruses (SARS stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome). However, bats in the wild and undisturbed by people do not pose a health threat.
Why are there so many bats in North America?
Other factors impacting bat populations include pesticides and water quality that impact aquatic-based food supplies, wind energy and as of the mid-2000s, a disease known as white-nose syndrome. The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 did not originate in bats in North America.