Debunking Myths About Bats

Wild Birds Unlimited
Published: September 18th, 2012

Wild Birds Unlimited Explains the Environmental Significance of Bats

September 18, 2012 // Franchising.com // Carmel, Ind. – As Halloween quickly approaches, many people are taking time to learn about one of the holiday’s most notable icons, yet one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures – bats. Mostly seen as frightening creatures, bats actually play a large role in helping control the insect population. In fact, according to Bat Conservation International (BCI), one bat can capture hundreds of mosquitoes in an evening!

In addition to keeping insects at a reasonable number, bats are also the main pollinator throughout most of the tropics and in many desert habitats. Furthermore, many of the plants found in these areas would not survive without bats.

“Most people do not understand the useful role bats play in helping our ecosystem,” said Jim Carpenter, CEO and founder of Wild Birds Unlimited, the original and largest franchise system of backyard bird feeding and nature specialty stores. “It is now our job to work together and help get bats off of the endangered species list and into our backyards.”

Today, almost 40 percent of the American bat species are either threatened or endangered. Below are some tips offered by Carpenter to help save bats from becoming extinct entirely:

• The Organization for Bat Conservation (OBC) suggests building or buying a bat box to provide roosting sites. When hanging a bat box, be sure to mount it 15’ above the ground where the box is sheltered from the wind. Also, it is best to position your bat box so that it has at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight.
• Plant moth-attracting wildflowers to give bats an additional food source.
• Refrain from cutting down dead or dying trees, as long as it is safe, to provide bats with natural shelters.

Due to Wild Birds Unlimited’s commitment to preserving America’s bat population, a portion of every bat box that is sold at a Wild Birds Unlimited store, is donated to the OBC. For more tips on how to prevent bats from becoming extinct, visit your local Wild Birds Unlimited location, or the Wild Birds Unlimited website at www.wbu.com.

About Wild Birds Unlimited

Wild Birds Unlimited is the original and largest franchise system of backyard bird feeding and nature specialty stores with more than 275 locations throughout the United States and Canada. Wild Birds Unlimited specializes in bringing people and nature together with bird feeding and nature products, expert advice and educational events. Visit our website, https://maps.wbu.com, and shop online at www.wbu.com. To learn how you can open your own Wild Birds Unlimited, visit www.wbufranchise.com.

Media Contact:

Holly Kleese
Fishman Public Relations
847.945.1300, hkleese@fishmanpr.com