The Town of Comox Parks staff have worked in conjunction with the Comox Valley Land Trust to set up our own Community Bat Program. Conservation Biologist Tim Ennis has been invaluable in guiding and assisting the Town in every step of the way through this process.
in 2021, Comox Parks staff installed rocket box style bat houses in various Comox parks throughout town. These houses will provide hundreds of bats with a dry, safe environment as their summer roosting habitat. The Town greatly appreciates Tony Billie for his time, effort and superb craftsmanship in the building of these bat houses and assisting with installation.
There are many reasons why bat populations are of conservation concern including habitat loss, roost disturbance, and the introduction of white nose syndrome, a bat disease which is decimating bat populations across North America.
Bats play an important role in our ecosystems by consuming large numbers of flying insects. A single bat can eat hundreds of mosquitos and other insects in an hour thereby reducing the need for pesticides.
Exposure to bats is a very low health risk but precautions should always be taken. Never handle bats with your bare hands. If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, seek medical attention.
Please observe, but do not disturb the bats or their houses.
- Bat Appreciation Day will be on April 17, 2023.
- Bat Appreciation Week takes place in October.
- Learn more about how Comox is a Bat Friendly Community.
- To learn more about bats and to find out how you can help visit the BC Community Bat Program website.
