Going batty with bat questions? Call 1-833-434-BATS (2287)!
People can now call a new toll-free number—1-833-434-BATS (2287)—to report sightings of bats on Prince Edward Island (PE) or in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
This number will put members of the public in direct contact with a bat expert with the new Atlantic Bat Conservation Project. This project is based out of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) Atlantic Region, at the Atlantic Veterinary College, PE, and is a collaborative project between the CWHC and the provincial governments in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
By working closely with PE and NL provincial government collaborators responsible for wildlife, human health and pest control, as well as private pest control companies, callers will be provided with the most up-to-date and accurate information about bat-related topics. Bat sightings reported by the public will also provide researchers with valuable information related to the protection of two federally endangered bat species: the little brown myotis and the Northern myotis.
Examples of when you might wish to call 1-833-434-BATS (2287) include:
- Bats in your house? You will be provided with advice on how best to manage these bats or remove them in a way that is safe for both people and bats.
- Bat-related health concerns? Your questions will be answered and you will be directed to the appropriate contacts in your area to provide you with any help necessary to protect the health of bats and people.
- Bat sighting? Again, this is the number to call to report your observations!
The health of bats in Atlantic Canada is under threat from the devastating bat white-nose syndrome (WNS), which continues to spread in the region and impact endangered species. It is critical to report any sightings of bats that occur during the WNS surveillance season of November 1st –May 31st. To learn more about WNS, please visit http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/wns.php.
To report sightings of bats, whether dead or alive, please call 1-833-434-BATS (2287).
Funding for this project is provided by the Environment and Climate Change Canada Habitat Stewardship Program—Species at Risk Stream.
Contact:
Tessa McBurney
Atlantic Bat Conservation Project Technician
Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Atlantic Region
Office: (902) 894-2845
1-833-434-BATS (2287)
tmcburney@cwhc-rcsf.ca
