Warmer weather means increased activity in area wildlife, including bats. The most populous species of bat in the area is the Mexican free-tail, with several large colonies in or near Williamson County. They are insectivorous and help control our insect population, decreasing the need for dangerous pesticides.

On the occasion that a bat does enter a building, many will exit on their own, if given the opportunity. Turn off any interior lights and allow a clear pathway such as an open door for them to escape.

As long as there has been no risk of human exposure, dead bats can be disposed of by sweeping into a dustpan and placing in the trash.

Bats hanging on the outside of buildings are common in the area and, if left alone, will usually fly away at dusk.

If a bat lands on the ground, it has difficulty becoming airborne again and usually will attract attention from pets in the area. Make sure to keep your pets up to date on rabies vaccinations, and close off pet doors at night to lower the possibility of an encounter since bats are nocturnal animals most active at dusk and dawn.

If there is a possibility of either pet or human exposure, please contact Animal Services immediately at 512-930-3510 (non-emergency police dispatcher). We will need to collect the bat to submit it for testing at the Texas Department of Health to verify the absence of the rabies virus.

Bats are an essential part of the Central Texas ecosystem, and it is estimated that less than half of 1% carry the rabies virus. If precautions are taken when dealing with them, a safe coexistence can be maintained.

For more information, visit the Bat Conservation International website at www.batcon.org .