Tuesday, September 27, 2016

The Invading Bats...!

Sometimes the influx of animals seems like an invasion during a war. It can be like one, for sure!

Almost seems like some animal invasions are biblical in scope. Take this next one for expample.

Batemans Bay
New South Wales, Australia



Photo credit: Justin Welbergen

In May 2016, the town of Batemans Bay in New South Wales was invaded by 100,000 massive bats that covered nearly every tree and surface in the area. Residents were left prisoners in their own homes because opening doors or windows would cause bats to come flying in.

The culprits were grey-headed flying foxes. They are listed as a vulnerable species, so authorities couldn’t kill them. Soon, different groups bickered about what to do. Authorities wanted to use smoke or noise to try to get the bats to leave while animal rights groups said that the townspeople needed to be patient and wait out the epidemic.

Eventually, the town received $2.5 million to help fund efforts to stop the bats. But as of June 2016, the town remains under siege.

Now I don't know about you, but to me this sounds like the script for a very bad horror movie. Thank goodness something like this hasn't happened in our town...yet!

Coffee out on the patio this morning. I have to go to the V.A., so help yourself, OK?

9 comments:

Chickenmom said...

Where's Alfred Hitchcock when you need him?

linda m said...

Sounds like a plot for a Steven King movie. Good luck at the VA.

Momlady said...

At least they won't have to worry about mosquitoes!

JO said...

Nasty critters but who knows why they are there. But if the town is covered in them I don't see how they can be an indangered species.

Hope all goes well at the VA today.

It's still raining here, some ones not telling the truth about the weather.

HermitJim said...

Hey Phyllis...
Does sound like one of his films, doesn't it? I appreciate the good wishes for VA.
Thanks for stopping by today!


Hey Linda...
King or Hitchcock, either one!
Thanks for coming over this morning!


Hey Momlady...
I never thought of that, but you're right!
Thanks for the visit this morning!

Gorges Smythe said...

There has to be a REASON the bats have settled there; I'm guessing a food source. Get rid of the food source and you'll get rid of the bats.

HermitJim said...

Hey Gorges...
That makes sense to me, but I wonder if they have tried that?
Thanks for coming over today!

Dizzy-Dick said...

Dang, I looked them up and they have an average wing span of 3.3 feet with some reaching almost five feet. If a whole bunch of them were headed into any town, I think it would worry everyone that saw them coming. Let's hope they stay in Australia.

HermitJim said...

Hey Dizzy...
It would certainly give me cause to worry.
Thanks for the visit, my friend!