Taipei sees 40% rise in bat rescue calls, young bats most common

Taipei's Animal Protection Office has seen a significant surge in bat rescue calls, with a 40% increase compared to last year by July. Notably, 70% of these rescued bats are young ones, prompting concern and investigation into the trend.

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If you see bats in the evening, don't panic; they might be young bats learning to fly.

The office attributes the rise in rescue cases, particularly involving young bats, to the ongoing breeding season. It is common for young bats to be learning to fly during this period, which can lead to them falling or getting into distress. The most frequent rescue locations are in the Wenshan, Beitou, and Neihu districts of Taipei.

Taiwan is home to 38 bat species, with the East Asian house bat being the most common. These nocturnal creatures typically rest in shaded areas during the day and feed on insects, playing a vital role in controlling mosquito populations. The breeding season runs from May to September.

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If you find an injured bat, observe it from a distance first and report it to the 1959 animal protection hotline.

The Animal Protection Office urges the public to exercise caution when encountering bats. If a young bat is found, it's advised to wait and observe from a distance, as the mother bat may return to retrieve it. If a bat appears injured, people should report it immediately to the 24-hour animal protection hotline by dialing 1959. The office also stresses the importance of wearing gloves if direct contact is necessary to avoid disease transmission. Unauthorized private ownership of bats is illegal and detrimental to their survival.

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Bats are wild animals. Private ownership not only violates the Wildlife Conservation Act but also results in extremely low survival rates in artificial environments.