An “unprecedented influx” of wildlife rescues is happening in Pennsylvania as freezing temperatures are becoming more dangerous for animals. According to KDKA, bats that would normally hide and hibernate during the winter are coming in contact with people in their homes and public spaces at higher rates than ever.
What’s happening?
Raven Ridge Wildlife Center in Lancaster County said it’s receiving a major uptick of calls from residents who have found bats in distress, per a statement shared on the center’s Facebook page.
The organization warned that exposing bats to subfreezing temperatures can result in death. It is so overwhelmed beyond its capacity that the center instructed residents encountering a bat to use gloves, gently cover the bat with a cloth or T-shirt, and place it in a secure box without holes to keep it safe.
“With temperatures plummeting to well below freezing, we are receiving an astonishing number of calls each day from individuals who have found bats in distress,” Raven Ridge wrote in its Facebook post.
Why is protecting bats important?
Bats rely on hibernation or migration to survive winter conditions, and unexpected disturbances can become fatal and add to the pressures wildlife and ecosystems are already facing…