Bad reputations
There was a feature on my local news, North West Tonight, earlier this week. A woman from Oswaldtwistle had returned from her holidays to find some uninvited lodgers in her loft. Bats.
I was left slightly insulted that this classed as ‘news’. A point made worse due to the fact that only a few nights before I hadn’t been able to get to sleep - due to our resident bats having returning to roost during my holidays and chattering away all night.
For many, the thought of having bats living in proximity is a very scary thought. Blood sucking Dracula-esque they might not be; but people still think of them as dirty vermin, carrying rabies, and not a pleasant house guest. So, when the woman on NWT said she was looking forward to them returning next year (once they find a nice roost, they return annually - we’ve had ours for at least 3 years), the presenter looked a bit aghast. However, I’m with the other roost owner. They’re lovely little creatures.
The Bat Conservation trust tries to clear up a few myths - they’re not nibbling rodents, they don’t build nests, and they are very clean animals. A few times recently I’d wandered outside in the dusk, and spent a bit of time watching the bats flying around, swooping to eat the insects. They’re only tiny little things - and there were a couple of young learning to fly this year - it’s a beautiful sight.
I’d say there’s only one problem with bats - they are protected by law. Infact, the roost is protected even when they’re not it - meaning we have to be careful with any building work we wish to do. However, the authorities are keen to point out that the bat’s welfare doesn’t rank above that of humans - so we just need to careful with any planning. I think it’s a small price to pay to have such an impressive lodger.
With their reputation though, bats are rarely appreciated. And it’s the same with so many animals. Whilst on holiday, someone in our group saw a snake by the river. Following screaming, the snake slithered away. I think it was more likely to be a Western Whip snake (totally harmless) than an adder (and unfortunately it definitely wasn’t one of my relatives)- but even if it was an poisonous snake, it was never going to attack. Most (if not all) of these poisonous creates are more scared of us than we are of it - and will only attack if they’re threatened. I’m fairly sure no snake will look at a human being and think “Mmmm, dinner!”
You can’t help genuine fears, but there’s really no need to be scared of snakes. Just don’t tred on one. Still, they’ve also got a reputation as killers.
I don’t think there’s actually a point to this post for once. Still, I always like to conclude with something. So, don’t condemn wild creatures because you don’t know anything about them. Sometimes, like with my bats, you’ll actually enjoy their company.
~Asp
