Can I Have a Pet Bat?

Exotic pet ownership is growing in popularity these days. Many pet owners are going as far as they can, pushing limits in the animal domestication industry. Large cats, wolves, and even bears are some of the most extreme animals people have attempted to domesticate within their best abilities. In many cases, tragic accidents and several close calls occur with animals of these sizes. At the other end of exotic pet ownership, there are smaller and less aggressive woodland and forest species that people are taking interest in; such as raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and even potbelly pigs. Many states allow the domestication of certain exotic animals; but when it comes to bats, the law is not flexible in most cases.

For people who have inquired about pet bats or bat ownership, they have most likely discovered that it is illegal without proper professional rehabilitation licensing. Only licensed and legitimate organizations with proper state and local permitting can legally house and raise bats for the sole purpose of environmental maintenance and rehabilitation. Continue reading to learn why it is not recommended to take a bat as a pet, and why pet bats are illegal and frowned upon in the United States.

Bats are a Protected Species

There are over 2,000 species of bat found all across the globe; all of which are protected by law on various levels. There are laws that regulate bat hunting, trapping, and extracting from their natural habitat or wild; as well as, laws that prohibit breeding, and/or the exchange of bats between people or organizations. This means no one can legally breed, sell, capture, or keep wild bats unless they are licensed professionals with special permits to do so. It is also illegal to transport bats unless they are being relocated to a valid scientific organization, zoo, or wildlife sanctuary. To be transported in the United States, one must have a CDC permit.

There are several reasons why bats are protected and why it is illegal to own a bat. For one, bats are fascinating and special mammals. In fact, they are the only mammal capable of true flight! They are not fit for domestication and can suffer from being caged or trapped. Although bats generally live up to 25 years in the wild, they only average about one year of life in domestication under improper circumstances. Bats require long flight times and the ability to hunt and breed their young. Keeping them from this right and as a pet illegally can be seen as animal cruelty. Also, wild bats can carry diseases that can be fatal or severely harmful to humans and pets. If you ever see a dead or injured bat, never touch it or attempt to pick it up; instead, call your local bat removal and control company for assistance.

Bat Removal Indianapolis

Call Bat Removal Indianapolis at 317-535-4605 for superior bat control services in Indiana. We are highly trained and DNR licensed animal control technicians that specialize in bat removal services. We can remove bats safely and humanely, and prevent them from retuning to your home or office. Our experienced and knowledgeable bat removal specialists provide a long list of services; such as bat cleanup, attic restoration and repair, bat-proofing, inspections, emergency services, free estimates, consultations, and much more. Visit our webpage at http://www.batremovalindianapolis.com for details about our services and company background. If you need bat removal in Indianapolis, IN, call 317-535-4605 right away!