Have A Bat In The House? Clarkstown Police Offer Some Pointers

CLARKSTOWN, N.Y. -- Now that spring has arrived and the bats, yes, bats, are in the air, the Clarkstown Police Department says if you find one in your home, don't touch it or try to capture it.

Clarkstown's Police are reminding residents to not try and capture bats who get into their homes.
Photo Credit: *File*

K Reakes

05/11/2017 7:00 a.m.

You can scream, but then residents should know the proper steps to take to avoid being bitten or infected with rabies.

According to the New York State Department of Conservation, if provoked or threatened, bats will defend themselves by biting.

If you do find a bat, the DOC said the safest way to remove them from the home is to turn on some lights in order to see the bat. Close doors to other rooms of the home in order to restrict the bat's access to a small area. Open all exterior windows or doors in the room. The bat can then use its echolocation to navigate a safe path outside.

If you capture a bat, do not dispose or release it before calling the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2594. They will test the bat for rabies.

Currently, there is not a problem with rabies in the area, said the Clarkstown Police, but it's always better to be cautious when it comes to wild animals, they added.

If you had a bat roosting in your home or attic during the winter, the DOC said the best solution is to contact a wildlife damage control company.

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