Removing the Batty Boys from Kehl's Abandoned Pool
It's not a simple flip of a switch to clear out nearly a thousand furry critters residing in an old, shuttered swimming pool, surrounded by decaying concrete, in the small town of Kehl, Germany. And these aren't just any ordinary critters, oh no - we're talking about Europe's seemingly eternally safeguarded bats, specifically pipistrelle species. These lil' rascals have made the pool their home for who knows how long, since it shut down in 2017.
The bats have boldly claimed their territory within the pool's nooks and crannies, hunkering down behind the building's facade, seemingly undisturbed by the fire that erupted during New Year's Eve 2022. According to city officials, the blaze fortunately left their little castles unscathed.
With approximately 38,000 residents eager to reclaim their community swimming facility, city officials have teamed up with experts, designing fancy-schmancy bat hotels on neighboring buildings. But don't put on your party hats just yet, as there's no estimated timeline for when the bats might skedaddle. Based on urban legends, it could be a few years. With the pool's precarious state, it seems it will remain standing for some time, closely aligned with the gymnasium of a nearby high school.
Regardless of the townsfolk's wishes, the bats continue to reside in their bat cave pool, enjoying the luxurious accommodations. As the creatures are put under European law protection, it's expected they will stick around for a few years.
Fun fact: Bats have quite the legal muscle in Europe. They are protected by various regulations, which means their removal or relocation must be carried out with great care. The process involves professional assessments, timely executions to avoid the breeding season, and expert consultations to ensure everything is done by the book without harming these winged critters. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to some legal heat. So, if you're planning on buying a property in Germany with a bat infestation, make sure to spill the beans to any potential buyers to avoid any shady dealings.
