The University of New Mexico
&
The Office of Animal Care and
Compliance
present
What’s Your Critter?
Bats
A learning module developed by OACC
Introduction
• This module was
developed to prepare you
for safety issues involved
in doing field research
with Bats
General Background
• Bats can be found in almost every part of the
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world except where it is very, very hot or in the
really cold areas and on some remote
islands. They live on all continents except
Antarctica.
In the United States, the greatest number of bat
species live in the southwestern part of the
country.
In North America, bats are among the most
endangered or threatened small mammal
The following pertain to ALL BAT FIELD
RESEARCH
• Injuries and Sickness – What are the
dangers in working with bats?
• Habitat – What kind of climate or
environment will I be exposed to?
• Protective Equipment – How do I handle
bats?
Injuries and Sickness
• Bats can carry RABIES
• All bats should be handled with leather gloves
• When a bat is rabid it may not show symptoms
that are normally associated with rabies.
– It may not foam at the mouth like a dog would.
– It may not attack and or act deranged.
– It could be either on the ground, clinging to a wall, or
on another surface and quiet.
– It may be active during daylight
Injuries and Sickness
• In addition to the disease potential, is the
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bite itself
Injuries in the field should be treated
IMMEDIATELY
All field trips should include an appropriate
First-Aid Kit – available from EOHS
Preferably, persons should report to EOHS
for treatment – follow-up care would then
be covered under workmen’s compensation
Incident reports should be filed with EOHS
as soon as possible
Emergencies are ALWAYS the exception to
the rule
Injuries and Sickness
Caves:
• Many bats dwell in caves or mines
• There is a concern for histoplasmosis when working in
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caves
Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus (Histoplasma
capsulatum) and is transmitted to humans by airborne
fungus spores from soil contaminated by droppings of
bats
Most infections are mild and produce either no
symptoms or a minor influenza- like illness. On occasion,
the disease can cause high fever, blood abnormalities,
pneumonia, and even death.
Gases, such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, and methane,
can accumilate in bat caves and mine tunnels.
Bat Habitats
• Bats typically make their homes in trees, caves,
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mines, buildings, rocks, and under bridges
Bats live in all parts of the world except
Antarctica, but prefer warm climates such as the
Southwest
Special consideration must be given to the
climate where the bat(s) you are studying live
Special consideration must be given to the
environment where the bat(s) you are studying
live
Consider your level of health before pursuing bat
research
Bat Habitats
Caves and Mines:
• Caves and mines require specialized training and
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physical demands
Caves and mines have unique dangers such as
falls, reptiles and insects, low ceilings, unstable
walls or ledges, rocks, and the potential buildup
of dangerous gases
Caves and mines also increase the time before
treatment can be administered in the event of
an emergency
Researchers should obtain local expert
knowledge of underground atmospheres where
that information is available – mine safety
authorities, speleologists, etc.
Bat Habitats
Caves and Mines:
• Certain bats live in concentrations of NH3 while others
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live in CO2 concentrations that are both lethal to
humans, so the presence of bats does NOT signify a
safe atmosphere.
Poisonous dust and fumes from arsenic, manganese,
mercury, and sulphur may be inhaled in some mines.
Cave-dust pneumonitis, a common chest problem in
dry cave areas, may be an allergic or chemical
response to organic substances in the dust.
Bat Habitats
Trees:
• Trees require physical demands to work in
• Trees have unique dangers such as falls,
reptiles and insects, unstable branches
Bat Habitats
Buildings:
• At times bats may use houses or buildings as a
roosting site. Even though these places are not as good
as their natural habitats, these human-made structures
do offer them protection and are much like their
preferred roosts.
• An abandoned building poses risks of Hantavirus from
rodent droppings, weakened structures due to age or
insect damage, other species such as rattlesnakes using
the dwelling, or other occupants
Bat Habitats
Bridges:
• Wherever there is a bridge, there might also be bats
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living under it. Even the noise of a busy road overhead
doesn't seem to bother them. As the sun sets, they
begin their night flight out to look for food.
Primary concerns here are access to the animals
Protective Equipment
• Bats WILL BITE – use leather
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gloves when handling them
Most bats can be caught in Mist
Nets
In enclosed areas such as caves or
buildings a filter mask should be
worn
It is also advised to wear long
sleeved shirts and pants with boots
as bat roosts are often dark and
cluttered; carry multiple flashlights
This Concludes Module 12A – Bat
Safety
• Please download the exam, complete it, then e•
mail it to KMirowsky@salud.unm.edu
For more information, or if you have questions,
please contact OACC @ 272-6806
• This training module was reviewed by UNM expert Dr. William L. Gannon
• Content approved by IACUC, 19 May 2005