Yes, BATS!

And not the ones you play baseball with. The kind that fly around of their own volition and evoke images of fangs, Dracula and Halloween. And very recently just such a bat – though more icky than dangerous – was reported in a unit. After our staff responded to a report of a Bat flying around inside a unit, the critter could not be located. The City was called, and when they arrived could not find it either. The resident, Randall Kimsey of Unit 1510, shared his story and suggested I pass it on:

“Hope all is well. I just wanted to share an interesting story. Last week, a live bat got in thru my window screen after dusk. This was after the hard rain. I went to the desk and spoke with David and security staff was kind enough to come up assist me with finding the bat. No luck.

I thought it was gone and a day later, it showed its ugly face at 3AM. Apparently, It waited for me to shut all the lights off and go to sleep. After being scared to death, I went down stairs and called 311. They directed me to the City of Chicago Animal Control but would not be able to come out until the AM. I called a private service and it would be $350.00 at that time. The cost is normally $150.00.

The City of Chicago Animal Control finally came out to my unit. After going thru all my closets and the entire unit, we could not find the bat. The representative from Animal Control did mention that numerous buildings in the area have been invaded by bats. He named three to the north of us. Apparently it is the season. These pests are very sneaky.

I just didn’t know if you wanted to pass this on in the news letter. He recommends that windows be shut after dark and especially after a hard rain. It appears the bats cling to the building looking for shelter. When they can, they enter!

The end of my story. Last night, out of no where, the bat reappeared. Don’t worry, I charged him rent! I took several swings with my racquet ball racquet and the bat went down. As advised, by the city representative from animal control, I threw a towel over it and with the help of Phoebe Helm wrapped it up in the towel and a plastic bag. I then took the bat to the back of the building and released it out of the building.

The purpose is to just let you know my experience and maybe provide other residents some supportive information. They may call. 311 Animal Control. Also to watch for bats after dusk and after a hard rain.”

Typically we do have bats on and around the building. I have seen several on the deck and flying around the park in back, just after dark. A couple years ago, we did have another report of one that squeezed through a hole in a screen. They look like very small birds when they are flying around, and in fact you have probably seen them yourself and did not think twice about it. Fortunately the types of bats in our region do not pose a direct danger to humans. They usually feed on insects (and for that we thank them).

Randall did the exact right thing – he did not panic – that is most important. And he sought assistance, though it had to be creepy knowing he had an unwelcome room mate for a couple days. They are more of a pest than a danger, so if you suspect one snuck in, be patient, call for help, and follow any instructions you are given.

IN SIMILAR NEWS – The Management Office will be hosting the second annual “Hallow–Office“, Friday October 31st at 3pm. Treats, punch, costumes and a little Halloween Cheer. Stay tuned for a formal announcement.