Bats are flying mammals. They are warm blooded creatures that hibernate in winter. Growing warmth from the sun _______ sleep in March or April. In many British gardens, they can be seen at dusk – and occasionally even in daytime – right through to October or even later. Their diet consists entirely of insects which they detect by echolocation, usually in flight. The sound waves issued through their mouths or noses help them to navigate, as well as to find food.

Britain has 17 different species of bat. A lot of these have been recorded in gardens and several species may roost in houses. In many parts of the world, bat populations have declined dramatically. British bats are under threat and many species are now much less common than they used to be. Some species of British bat are very rare and a few species are close to extinction.

Bats normally remain hidden during the day and their small, black droppings in your roof space often provide the only evidence of their presence. Mice droppings are hard but those of bats consist of insect skeletons and crumble to dust if rubbed between finger and thumb. All bat species and their roosts are protected by law because they are so vulnerable. British bats are quite harmless to humans and should not be disturbed.

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