Exotic pets have been popular since the domestication of Eurasian gray wolves 15,000 years ago. In fact, animals like sugar gliders, tarantulas, chinchillas, blue lobsters, and even sharks, are common inventory at many local pet stores these days. Although hamsters and parakeets are still available for sale, more and more pet lovers are leaning toward animals that are rare or rarely domesticated.
However, one such animal that you will not find at a local pet store is a bat; but this doesn’t stop certain individuals from still wanting one as a pet. If you have found a stray baby bat, or have been tossing the idea of acquiring a pet bat, it is wise to learn some important information before making any final decisions.
Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about keeping a bat as a pet.
Is it Legal to Have a Pet Bat?
In most states, a person cannot keep a bat as a pet. That is because bats are protected by law on several levels. Not only is the confiscation of bats from the environment highly regulated by the state and federal government, the transferring of bats is also closely governed. For anyone to lawfully handle bats, they require specialized USDA permits and state licenses.
Where Can I Buy a Pet Bat?
You cannot buy a pet bat on the market, legally. If you wanted to purchase a pet bat, you would have to deal with criminals who are breaking the law by selling and distributing state and federally-protected wildlife without the proper permits and permissions.
What Will Happen if I Take a Bat as a Pet?
Not only is it likely that the bat will not survive, you can also be subject to heft fines for breaking state and federal laws. The bat can also pose several health issues, including Rabies, Histoplasmosis, bat mites, lice, and more. A person or pet can contract these diseases and more from contact with a bat or bat droppings.
Can I Trap a Bat for a Pet?
As mentioned, bats are a protected species of wildlife. This means it is unlawful to trap, touch, harm, or kill a bat under any circumstances. If a bat bites you or your pet, your next step is to seek immediate medical treatment; and your second step is to contact a Louisville bat removal company to handle the bat.
What Should I Do if I Find a Stray Bat?
If you have found a lone bat on the ground, your job is to assess the risk it poses to its surroundings. A bat is a safety risk whether it is sick or not; so if you find one that seems stuck or stranded, it is important that the bat is removed as soon as possible by a licensed bat removal specialist. Not only can it potentially harm another person or pet, it can attract other species of wildlife, which can impose additional safety concerns and hazards. If a bat is in nature away from people, you can just leave it alone and trust nature to take its course.