Big Brown Bat

Thanks sunnyjosef!

Thank you very much bayucca, as that means a lot to me. I see there is still a little bit of a rukus going on about it on FB. Lesson learned on including full details about spottings.

Thanks again Caleb! I'm always thankful for your comments.

Thank you kindly Mark:)

GeoffryGomes, I do appreciate and respect your passion regarding the image and protection of bats, as I have a great love for them as well. I want to thank you for bringing something to my attention, and that is the lack of detail that I put into my spotting reports. Detail is very necessary, especially in a situation such as this. My report has been edited to include those important details. However, I do not understand the attack on Project Noah regarding this series of photos. The lack of detail is completely on me. Project Noah does so much to educate people on the natural world through many wonderful peoples’ experiences with nature. And just to make this clear, this was MY experience. The bats had to be removed. I did not forcefully remove them from their roost. They were perishing, and something had to be done. Was the bat distressed? Absolutely, but probably not as distressed as it would have been had it remained in the container that it was trapped in. I did capitalize on the situation and take photos, and I would do this again. I document all of my wildlife experiences with photos they way it happens, and this one is not any different. The bat was not forced to stay put. I simply took photos as it calmed down and gained composure. Bats do get a very bad rap, and I have rescued several after having offered to help people with it. I also remove snakes for people that I know and relocate them. After hearing the horrible stories from people taking out bats with tennis racquets, and snakes with shovels or hoes, it’s the least that I can do. While I do not understand their fears, they are just that. Fear brings out the worst in people simply because they don’t understand. Of course, through education and thoughtful discussion, some of these fears can be changed. However, I do not feel that pointing fingers and public shaming are the ways to handle these situations. Why not just ask some thoughtful questions about the situation to gain some insight? A good conversation goes a long way. I do understand that you are concerned about the image that bats have, but the reality of this circumstance is there. Humans and nature do not always coexist ideally the way that we want. However, I don’t think we can remove what is deemed “disgusting” from our experiences just because we don’t like it. If this were the case, we would have to remove every photo of a predator/prey situation, rescues, or agitated animals. Would that be truly educating others? This is not the reality of how nature works, and it would be a lie to portray it that way.

Thank you very much Desmond! I really appreciated it.

Thank you very much Ashley, and thanks for the kind words Francisco, Luis, Marta, and amadeus!

Thank you very much TarieKlinkBarbour!

Thank you Sckel, and thanks for noticing that I've been gone. Sometimes I just need a break from things and move on to another hobby for awhile. It keeps things balanced for me. Happy New Year to you too!

Thank you Lauren:)

Thanks for the kind words triggsturner and Stephanie!