Bats Need a Winter Bedroom: Help Hesse's Bats Hibernate Safely
Winter's approaching, and bats in Hesse, Germany, need a cozy place to hibernate until spring. The Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) Hesse urges homeowners to pitch in and help these furry critters find a suitable spot. Gather the deets below to learn how to create a hideaway that's just right for our winged friends.
My Bat Cave, Please
What makes an ideal winter lair for bats? Petra Gatz, a bat expert at NABU Hesse, offers her two cents: it needs to be frost-free, with a temperature between 4-9 degrees Celsius, high humidity, and plenty of hidey-holes, all while keeping predators at bay.
Where's the Party at?
Bats love snuggling up in tunnels, vaulted cellars, caves, and tree holes, but they're also snug as a bug in a rug in shelters in residential buildings. Accommodations like bat boards or flat boxes on gable walls do the trick, and luckily, you can pick these up at DIY stores or manufacture them yourself. And no worries, folks. Your bats won't munch on your walls, and they'll only be a temporary houseguest.
Spot the Bat
In most cases, homeowners only catch wind of their bat pals via their calling cards—feces. The Nature Conservation Act indicates that renovations should pause when animals have vacated their digs. Plus, every one of Hesse's 21 bat species is on the Red List, so they're protected animals.
Observe Firewood Etiquette
Bats might hibernate in your woodpile, and by the time you realize they're tucked away, it's too late. Several species are accidentally torched during the energy-saving hibernation mode. Keep an eye on your woodpile, give those bats space, and let 'em sleep.
Assist Mother Nature
Providing bat-friendly hideaways assists in nature conservation efforts and contributes to efforts towards preserving species that are commonly found in the wild and on the Red List.
Guidelines to Make Bat Haven
To create a safe hibernation site for bats in Hesse, Germany, follow these steps:
- Assess suitable locations: Look for sites that provide dark, stable, and undisturbed conditions.
- Evaluate occupied sites: Ensure the site is not inhabited by other animals or humans.
- Prepare the site: If building a new site, maintain darkness and stability.
- Maintain the site: Keep it clean and free from disturbances.
- Install bat boxes: Use bat boxes specific for hibernation, equipped with a narrow entrance.
- Consult local authorities: Comply with local laws and regulations for bat protection.
- Educate the community: Spread awareness about the importance of protecting bat hibernation sites.
This revised article incorporates tips and guidelines for creating safe hibernation sites for bats in Hesse, Germany, while offering a more engaging and informal tone and applying structural changes for improved readability.
