For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
All British bats feed on insects, and it's been estimated that some consume up to 3,000 midges in a single night (although I've not counted myself). As winter draws nearer, and the temperatures drop, there are less and less insects for them to eat. Bats are left with just three options; to carry on hunting, to migrate or to hibernate
Since option one could lead to starvation, and option two involves way too much effort, all our bats choose to sleep through the winter. In October they are busy checking out suitable locations, and in November they'll be hanging up their "Do Not Disturb" signs and shuffling off to bed.
Brown long-eared bats are tiny. So tiny in fact they can squeeze beneath the roof tiles of houses and into attic spaces where they sleep through the winter months. Many people have a few of these bats living in their loft space without knowing it. They're small, very quiet, and make virtually no mess.
Note: Handling bats in the UK requires a licence, and appropriate vaccinations. It's also recommended that gloves be worn to prevent bites/scratches. It's illegal to injure, kill, sell or exchange bats (dead or alive) in the UK. It's also illegal to damage or disrupt their roost sites. For free advice please contact the Bat Conservation Trust for advice on 0845 1300 228.
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