New and Improved write-up:
🐱 Lionel's closed-down swimming spot is filled with about 900 furry buddies - yup, bats! 🦇
You got that right! A whole horde of bat pals have taken over the deserted swimming pool in the quaint town of Kehl nestled near the Baden border. These adorable critters are none other than Pipistrelles, a bat breed under strict European protection. Kehl officials have revealed their plans to find new homes for these winged wonders, but there's a catch - they can't be moved.
These little critters seem to have made the dilapidated swimming pool their home since it shut down back in 2017. The bats are hidden in the pool's crumbling concrete, cleverly hiding behind the building. To everybody's surprise, a fire that broke out on New Year's Eve 2022 didn't dislodge these unexpected tenants, according to city reports.
The town of roughly 38,000 residents has hired experts to design custom bat cribs on neighboring buildings. It's scary how there's no certainty about when, if ever, these bat roommates will vacate their digs in the local swimming pool - it could be years. The pool's decrepit condition seems to mean it's here to stay, as it's connected to the gym of a nearby high school, according to the city.
Even with all the efforts to help Marode's bat guests move out, they still call the pool their home, stationed in Germany. Thanks to European protection laws, these bat roommates won't be leaving their accommodations any time soon.
Dig deeper:
👉 Did you know? Relocating protected bats like these pipistrelles requires careful planning and adherence to strict regulations. Experts must meticulously assess their habitat, find suitable relocation sites, secure permits, and perform the relocation humanely - all while ensuring the bats' well-being. The process can take months or even years, and any disturbance could spell trouble for these winged wonders. So, let's give these bats their space and show them our appreciation for their unique role in the ecosystem.
