With baby bat season arriving in July and August, Utah residents may notice more young bats, called pups, around their homes as they begin their first flights. Because these bats play a vital role in the ecosystem as pollinators and pest controllers, experts have provided guidance on how to handle encounters with the 18 species found in Utah.
If a bat enters a home, officials recommend never touching it with bare hands or attempting to swat at it. A suggested method for removal involves opening a door or window, turning off interior lights, and switching on a porch light to allow the bat to find its own way out. If manual relocation is necessary, individuals should wear thick gloves, wait for the bat to land, and use a container to gently trap and release it on an elevated spot like a tree.
For those concerned about bats roosting in attics, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recommends waiting until pups can fly in the fall before sealing entry points to prevent trapping them inside. If removal is required immediately, residents should contact a wildlife nuisance control company.
It is illegal to kill bats in Utah. Beyond their role as pollinators, a single bat is capable of eating up to 1,000 mosquitoes in one hour. To support these species facing habitat loss and climate change, the National Wildlife Foundation suggests considering the installation of a bat house.
In other regional news, the Protect Wild Utah coalition is organizing a statewide Day of Action with rallies in Salt Lake City, Provo, St. George, Moab, and Bountiful following changes to the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments. Additionally, Utah officials have announced a $2.5 million investment to protect wetlands along the southeast shore of the Great Salt Lake.
