Do Bats Make Good Pets? (Quick Answer)

You’d be surprised at how people ask the question: do bats make good pets?

If you are thinking about keeping a bat as a pet you should continue reading and consider the factors involved in raising one.

Let’s take a look.

Do Bats Make Good Pets?

No, just don’t.

I get it, they’re cute.

And they fly.

They’re like little flying puppies.

But no, bats are not good pets.

Here’s why:

They’re not cuddly.

Bats are not the type of animal that you can snuggle up to on the couch.

In fact, they’re quite the opposite.

Most bats are nocturnal, meaning they’re active at night and sleep during the day.

So if you’re looking for a pet to snuggle with, a bat is probably not the best choice.

They’re messy eaters.

If you thought cleaning up after a puppy was bad, just wait until you see what a mess a bat can make while eating.

They eat insects and lots of them.

So unless you’re planning on setting up a fly-catching station in your house, bats are probably not the pet for you.

They might give you rabies.

Okay, so this one is a bit of a stretch.

The chances of getting rabies from a bat are quite low.

But it is possible, and it’s not something you want to risk.

They’re difficult to care for.

Bats are not easy to take care of, even for experienced pet owners.

They have special housing requirements and need a diet of live insects, which can be hard to come by.

Related: Do Bush Babies Make Good Pets?

Is It Legal To Own A Bat?

No, it’s not legal to own a bat in most states.

Bats are protected by law in many states, and it is illegal to possess or sell them without a permit.

In some states, it is also illegal to release a bat into the wild.

If you are found with a bat in your possession, you could be fined or even jailed.

So, if you’re thinking about getting a pet bat, you might want to check with your state’s wildlife agency first.

What Troubles Would You Get Into If You Try Taming A Wild Bat?

If you try to tame a wild bat, you could be putting yourself and the bat in danger.

First, it is illegal in most states to possess a wild bat without a permit.

So, if you’re caught with a wild bat, you could be fined or even jailed.

Second, wild bats are not used to being around people and they may bite or scratch you if you try to handle them.

Bites and scratches from bats can spread rabies, so it is important to avoid contact with them at all costs.

So, while bats may seem like cuddly and adorable creatures, they are not good pets and should be avoided at all costs.

How Long Do Bats Live?

Most species can live for 20 to 30 years in the wild, and some have been known to live for over 40 years.

Bats in captivity often live even longer than those in the wild.

The oldest recorded bat lived to be over 41 years old.

So, how do bats manage to live so long? Well, there are a few factors that play into it.

First of all, bats are relatively free from predators and disease.

They also don’t have to deal with the harsh weather conditions that many other animals have to endure.

And last but not least, bats benefit from a slow metabolism, which means they don’t use up their energy as quickly as other animals do.

All add up to give bats a pretty long life span.

Do Bats Attack Humans?

There are many misconceptions about bats, and one of the most common is that they attack humans.

While it’s true that some species of bats can be aggressive, the vast majority of them pose no threat to people whatsoever.

Bats are incredibly beneficial to humans, as they help control insect populations and pollinate plants.

So, do bats attack humans? The answer is generally no, but there are a few exceptions.

What Causes Bats to Attack Humans?

There are two primary reasons why a bat might attack a human: self-defense, or hunger, Let’s take a closer look at each of these:

Self-defense: Bats are naturally timid creatures, and will only attack humans if they feel threatened.

If you approach a bat too quickly or make sudden movements, it may interpret this as a threat and respond accordingly.

Additionally, some mother bats may become aggressive if they feel their babies are in danger.

Hunger: While most bats eat insects, there are a few species that feed on blood.

These so-called “vampire” bats typically live in Latin America and attack livestock, but in rare cases, they may bite humans as well.

However, it’s important to note that these bats do not drink human blood for sustenance; rather, they simply lick the blood off of their victim’s skin.

What Should I Do if I’m Attacked by a Bat?

If you are attacked by a bat, the first thing you should do is try to calm down and avoid panicking.

It’s important to remember that most bats are not aggressive and will only attack if they feel threatened.

Once you’ve calmed down, follow these steps:

If the bat is still in your home, open a window and let it fly out.

If you cannot safely remove the bat from your home, call animal control or your local wildlife agency for assistance.

If you are bitten by a bat, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention.

Avoid contact with sick or injured bats, as they may be more likely to attack.

So there you have it.

Bats are not good pets.

They’re messy, difficult to care for, and in some cases, they can be dangerous.

If you’re looking for a pet, you’re better off choosing something else.

Conclusion

In summary, bats don’t make great pets since they are difficult to care for, may carry rabies, and can be dangerous.

If you’re looking for a pet, there are plenty of other options available to you.