Bat Attack

Terri Warne used to be terrified of bats – until she learned the truth.\nWarne has more than gotten over her fear. She is now the director of Bat World South Indy, one of several bat sanctuaries serving southern Indiana that are responsible for the care and release of injured and abandoned bats.\nBat World Hoosier Hills, directed by Laura Hohman, is Bloomington’s own branch of an organization headquartered in north Texas. The volunteer program has various chapters throughout the country.\nHohman operates the Bloomington chapter from her home. She said all of the bats are in cages located in a single room. Different cages are used depending on the season and on the condition of a particular bat.\nHohman said some bats are released back into the wild, while severe injuries leave others in a non-releasable state. The bats at Hoosier Hills come from all across southern Indiana and primarily consist of big brown bats.\nJennifer Raff, the only volunteer to work with Hohman at Bat World Hoosier Hills, said all bats have different personalities. Bats act as individuals with differences in personality and mood. \n“I think they’re really wonderful little animals,” Raff said. \nHohman said potential Hoosier Hills volunteers are considered on a case-by-case basis. She said an up-to-date rabies vaccination is required. A five-day Bat World Boot Camp, held at the Texas headquarters, is preferred but not essential. An interested volunteer would need to try feeding and handling the bats before being considered for a position.\nWarne said people who contact her for help with bats often have the wrong information. \n“The stories people come up with about bats,” Warne said. “Not true.”\nHohman said the Bat World Web site is a good source for people interested in learning more about these flying mammals.\nAlthough Hoosier Hills is not open to the public, bat enthusiasts can attend various exhibits and educational programs in the community. Hohman said she has helped with events at the Monroe County Public Library, WonderLab, schools and other local societies. \nWarne said bats are commonly found in attics and basements. She said that if bats are found in the summer, windows and doors should be opened. In the winter they should remain closed in order to prevent death in cold weather. The nearest center should be contacted for safe removal of the bat. \nHohman said a bat should never be handled without the use of safety gloves. \n“They’re wild animals,” Hohman said. “Treat them like wild animals.”