Brown bat concerns rising in Clinton County as temperatures drop
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By ROBBY DORMAN
rdorman@unionbanner.net
CLINTON COUNTY — As colder weather sets in, bats are increasingly finding their way into homes across Clinton County, seeking warmth and shelter for hibernation. “This time of year, what we typically see are bats trying to move into warmer areas,” said Tony Petrea, the county’s animal control warden. “It’s typically the little brown bat, one of the smallest bats found in Illinois, that’s most common in these situations.”
Tony Petrea
Petrea explained that Illinois is home to 13 species of bats, but the little brown bat is most often the one entering homes. “These bats are just looking for someplace to hibernate for the winter. Typically, they would hang out in trees or caves, but with the cold temperatures, they’re looking for any warm place, even if that means under the shingles of a building.”
While bats play a vital role in the ecosystem — feeding on mosquitoes and other insects — Petrea warned of the potential health risks that they pose. “Bats are one of the major carriers of rabies, and while only about three to five percent of bats tested have rabies, it is still a concern, especially if they come into contact with people or pets,” he said. “Rabies is transmitted through saliva and can only be diagnosed after euthanizing the animal.”
Even though the risk of rabies transmission is small, it is still important to recognize it as potentially dangerous. “If people encounter a bat in their home, it’s important to stay calm, isolate it in one room and call us. We’ll determine whether it needs to be tested, based on Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines,” Petrea said. “If we can test the animal and it’s not rabid, then people won’t need to undergo the rabies prophylaxis shots.”
Beyond their risks, bats offer significant benefits. Petrea noted, “Little brown bats can eat as many as 3,000 insects in a single night. They are especially beneficial near water sources, where they can be seen swooping down to drink while hunting.”
For residents who wish to avoid unwelcome visits from bats, professional nuisance abatement services can seal homes to prevent entry. “It’s an added cost for homeowners, but it’s an effective way to keep bats out,” Petrea explained.
Petrea also recommended WildlifeIllinois.org, which is maintained by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and provides information about wildlife. “It’s a great place for anyone looking to learn more about these animals and how to handle encounters safely,” he added.
Petrea advised that animal control’s focus is on indoor incidents or cases where bats are acting unusually, such as lying on the ground or exhibiting erratic behavior. “If they’re outdoors, that’s where they belong,” he said. “But if they’re in your home or behaving abnormally, that’s when we step in.”
“If you see a bat indoors, don’t panic. Just give us a call, and we’ll take care of it safely,” he said.
