Bat Caper

I was reading with the TV on in the background tonight when something flew by. I looked up and thought a bird had gotten inside...at first. Then I realized that the flyer was furry, not feathery.

Of course the cats were highly excited and enthused about the sudden appearance of the bat. Snowden was thinking "supper" while Cabot was thinking "flying toy." Both followed the bat as it swooped from room to room.

At first, as long as the bat didn't swoop at me I just sat still contemplating my options. It finally dropped slightly in my direction and since it is getting close to bed time, I decided I needed to formulate a capture and release program. I turned on all the lights around the house trying to find the bat.

It had settled on a curtain rod in my bedroom. Unfortunately, Snowden was standing on the bed debating the possibility of climbing the curtains. Thankfully, he continued to consider while I went to find a step stool. I grabbed a plastic bag, but quickly realized plastic was not a good capture method. So I picked up a pillow case and climbed the step stool while talking soothingly to the frightened little bat.

I wrapped the pillow case around him, but had to pry his little claws gently from the woodwork. Then I carried him out to the front porch. Have you ever been scolded by a bat? I have. They chitter...kind of like squirrels. Once outside, I pulled back the covering and we were face to face. I quickly turned him and he flew away off into the night. Hopefully, he will eat a whole lot of mosquitoes next summer. Thus I have done my good deed for the day.