The Town of Comox is going to bat, for bats.
Staff have installed rocket box style bat houses in various Comox parks
They’re meant to hundreds of bats with a dry, safe environment as their summer roosting habitat.
The town says bats play a key role in our ecosystem by eating large numbers of flying insects.
A single bat can eat hundreds of mosquitos and other insects in an hour thereby reducing the need for pesticides.
But the town says bats are facing habitat loss, roost disturbance and the introduction of white nose syndrome, a bat disease which is decimating bat populations across North America.
You’re asked not to disturb the bats or their houses.
While exposure to bats is a very low health risk, precautions should always be taken, never handle bats with your bare hands and, if you are bitten or scratched by a bat, seek medical attention.
Staff have worked in conjunction with the Comox Valley Land Trust to set a Community Bat Program.
The town says Tim Ennis has been “invaluable in guiding and assisting (it) every step of the way through this process.”
“The town greatly appreciates Tony Billy for his time, effort and superb craftsmanship in the building of these bat boxes and for assisting with the installations.”
You can find more information and to find out how you can help here.
