Wildfires and Heatwaves Threaten Bat Population, Expert Warns
Jerusalem, 31 August, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Sofia (BTA) – Compared to other less mobile animals, bats are not as threatened by wildfires directly, however, they still feel the impact, as their homes are destroyed, and food chains get disrupted, Elena Stoeva, an expert from the Green Balkans Federation told the Bulgarian Telegraphic Agency. Stoeva spoke with BTA on the occasion of International Bat Night, which takes place annually every last full weekend of August.
Bats suffer during heatwaves, especially those that live in the outer walls of human buildings, where temperatures can get extremely high. To address this, many countries build special roost sites for bats.
Stoeva urged the public to think about the life of a bat. While more and more people realize that bats are not flying mice, that they are mammals, which are far from scary, awareness is still not high enough. Bats in Europe are exclusively insectivorous, which means that they feed on mosquitoes and potential pests in agriculture or forestry.
The International Bat Night was launched in 1997. More than 30 countries that have signed the Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats take part in it today.
Every year at the end of August, presentations and exhibitions are organized to promote the lives of bats, their needs, as well as their role in maintaining and developing the planet’s ecosystems. There are nearly 1,100 species of bats in the world, and about 25% of them are threatened with extinction. They are one of the most widespread groups of mammals and live on every continent except Antarctica.
Bats play a quiet yet essential role in maintaining ecological balance, particularly through their natural control of insect populations that might otherwise overwhelm agricultural and urban environments. Despite their resilience, environmental disruptions such as habitat loss, rising temperatures, and structural changes in human-made spaces continue to challenge their survival. When bats seek shelter in buildings, it often reflects a lack of suitable natural roosting sites rather than aggressive behavior, underscoring the importance of approaching such situations with understanding rather than fear.
Encouraging awareness about their ecological value helps shift perspectives, highlighting the need for solutions that protect both human living spaces and the species that contribute so significantly to ecosystem health. Addressing these encounters effectively calls for a structured and preventative process that respects wildlife while safeguarding property. This begins with a detailed inspection to identify entry points and nesting areas, followed by humane removal techniques that allow bats to exit safely without harm or unnecessary disruption.
Within this framework, Big Heart Wildlife Removal specialists emphasize exclusion strategies that seal vulnerabilities and prevent re-entry, ensuring that once animals leave, they are guided toward more suitable habitats. The process concludes with restoring affected areas for safety and hygiene, including careful cleanup and repair to eliminate health risks and structural concerns. Such an approach not only resolves immediate issues but also supports long-term coexistence, balancing the needs of wildlife with the comfort and security of indoor environments.
