Arizona Bats

There are 28 known species of Arizona Bats here in the Grand Canyon state, more than any other state. Their order is the Chiroptera, (pronounced Ky-ROP-tair-ah) and sometimes they are mistaken for a flying squirrel. These bats are not flying squirrels, though. Flying Squirrels are also considered mammals but unlike bats, they do not fly.

Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona is where you will find the most species, which is the most in any part of the United States.

For some people, though, bats are something that they feel they could do without. Arizona Bats are perhaps a farmers best friend as they help to keep the number of insects to a minimum.

For those who are not fond of bats, may (just ever so slightly) change their attitude toward them once they learn just how valuable they really are to all of us.

Bats love to feed off of the flying insects that you will see during the nighttime hours, such as mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and other insects. These bats are also responsible for pollinating many different types of plants.

So, if you are one of those people who do not appreciate bats, just know that they are helping to get rid of the pesky mosquitoes and other insects that you probably even despise more!

Think of it like this; bats are your ally against the insects that are likely eating your cherished plants and may be Arizona Bats won't be as gross looking to you, if that's the case.

Personally, I don't mind bats. They visit me every night while I am in my hot tub and they haven't attacked or bitten me yet! I do know people who are terrified when they see them, though.

Where Do Arizona Bats Live?

According to the Arizona Department of Game and Fish (AZDGF), Arizona Bats are found throughout the state and represent four families in all four of the states habitats. AZDGF reports that there are only six of the 28 species of Arizona Bats who don't at least once in a while, spend time within the forest habitats.

Bats are considered mammals and are well known for their excellent ability to hear from far away distances. Batsuse Echolocation, in which the bats will emit high pitched chirps to determine such things as the distance, speed, and direction of the surrounding objects, which help them hunt for prey. I was surprised to learn that not all bats eat insects for survival. AZDGF notes there are two species of Arizona Bats who are considered nectar eating bats.

Both the Lesser Long Nosed and Mexican Long Tongued Arizona Bats primary source of food is the Saguaro, Pipe and OrganCactus, as well as the Agaves.

If you enjoy Hummingbirds, you may (or may not) be happy to know that Arizona Bats are also known to visit the very same Hummingbird feeders that you may just feed Hummingbirds with as they too, have a liking for the nectar.

Rabies and Bats

It is a fact that all mammals can develop rabies and that all animals have the ability to bite if they feel threatened.

AZGFD stresses that it is extremely noteworthy for anyone not to approach ANY wildlife as one never knows if an animal is rabid or not.

Bats are susceptible to rabies which is a serious viral disease that results in death if untreated.

Notes and Tips About Rabid Bats

- It is rare that rabid bats attack humans or other animals, but it is very important to note that if you find a bat lying on the ground, there is a very good chance that it may be rabid.

- Never pick up or touch any bat.

- Avoid close contact with a bat or any other animal that seems to be behaving in an unusual way.

- Report any such unusual behavior to your local county or animal control office or the Arizona Department of Game and Fish, if you reside in Arizona.

- Seek medical attention immediately if you have been bitten by any bat or animal. If you are bitten by a rabid animal, and fail to seek immediate medical attention, your condition could be fatal if not treated. If necessary, you will be given the rabies injections. Keep in mind that there is no known cure once rabies symptoms occur, so it is best to be safe and seek medical attention with any animal bite.

Rabies is spread through an animals bite or from the exposure of an open wound to saliva or mucous membranes of an infected animal. The agency's best advise is to avoid any bat or animal that you see. If you see a bat during the day, it is likely a sick bat, as they are not known for their daylight activity.

- The Arizona Game and Fish Department urges you NOT to get close to bats and to contact them if you If you find a bat behaving in such ways as laying on the ground or hanging on a wall. (If outside of Arizona, you can contact your local county health agency.)
What many may not understand is that bats are actually gentle mammals and do not attack people, as some may be led to believe. Maybe if people were more well informed about them, the sometimes negative image that people have of Arizona Bats and other bats, would eventually disappear.

All bats like to be left alone and will not bother you if you do not bother them. It is unfortunate that an entire colony can be wiped out if their nests are disturbed in their natural habitat. If you would like to learn much more about AZ bats species, log onto Arizona's Game and Fish Department here at Arizona Department of Game and Fish to learn more.

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