Houston wildlife teams have been working tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate over 1,000 bats that were trapped during the recent winter storm that swept across Texas. The Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center has spearheaded the efforts, with rescue teams visiting four bridges in the Houston area since 5 a.m. on Tuesday.
So far, more than 900 bats have been rescued, and it is expected that another 300 will be saved by the evening. The bats, which were frozen due to the extreme cold, are recovering quickly thanks to the dedicated care provided by the wildlife center. The organization has set up incubators with high temperatures and humidity levels to create an environment conducive to the bats’ recovery.
“We’re going to stick them in there, and their bodies are going to slowly warm up and start moving around again, get their bearings again, and kind of come out of that freeze state. Once they’re out of that freeze state, we’ll provide them with some fluids,” explained Tiffani Gallardo, a spokesperson for the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center.
Bats play a crucial role in insect control, with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department estimating their value in insect control to be around $1.4 billion per year. Therefore, the rehabilitation and release of these bats back into the wild is of great importance.
The wildlife rescue teams are working diligently to ensure that the bats are fully recovered and ready for release by Thursday. This timeline aligns with the expected warm-up in temperatures, as Thursday is projected to reach the 70s in Houston.
The Houston Humane Society is committed to the well-being of these beneficial creatures and aims to return them to their colonies as soon as possible. Their efforts not only contribute to preserving the local bat population but also help maintain ecological balance by controlling insect populations.
In conclusion, the Houston wildlife teams’ dedicated efforts to rescue and rehabilitate over 1,000 frozen bats trapped during the winter storm highlight their commitment to preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological harmony in the region. By providing essential care and creating a conducive environment for recovery, the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center is ensuring the bats’ successful return to the wild.
