Does Newburgh, New York Have a Bat Problem?

New York State: Home to 9 Bat Species

As the warmer months roll in, so does the wildlife. Did you know New York State is home to 9 different types of bat species?

I love the summer months, but one thing I'm absolutely terrified off was when the bats would swoop real low while I was in the pool as they were collecting their dinner of bugs and pests.

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According to AnimalSpot.net, New York is home to the Big Brown Bat, Eastern Red Bat, Eastern Small-footed Myotis, Hoary Bat, Indiana Bat, Little Brown Bat, Northern Long-eared Bat, Silver-haired Bat, and the Tricolored Bat.

Personally, that's one too many bats for my liking. But I digress.

When Do Bats Migrate To New York?

Now that we know how many different types of bats are flapping around the Hudson Valley, when can we expect them in the region?

NewYork.Gov has a whole page dedicated to bats and their migration patterns in New York. They report that come spring "generally around mid April" the bats return from their "wintering sites."

When the temperature drops, and the numbers of bugs decline, the bats will either decided to hibernate or migrate down south.

Does Newburgh, New York Have a Bat Problem?

Now that the warmer weather is here, the bats are slowly but surely coming out of hibernation and making their presence known in the Hudson Valley.

One specific spot in Newburgh seemed to be having a bat issue over the Memorial Day Weekend. The Town of Newburgh Animal Control and Shelter issued an alert on Saturday, May 24th stating the following:

Attention residences who live on or around Orange Lake. We have received phone calls about a large amount of bats that have been flying around during the day today.

However, they go on to say that while it may seem like unusual and uncommon bat behavior, they believe the bats are probably doing this for a few different reasons.

The Town of Newburgh Animal Control and Shelter shares that the bats may be out during the day for the following reasons:

1. There home was disturbed and they are trying to find a new home.
2. They are mating.
3. They are teaching the young bats how to fly.
4. They are moving from their winter home to their summer home.

They go on to suggests that residents stay indoors (as well as their pets) and make sure all windows, doors and garage doors were closed.

If a bat were to get inside your home they explain that you should block off the room it's in, do not try and touch it, and call their office at 845-561-3344 or your local animal control office.

Bat Infestation Discovered With Hundreds Of Bats In Roof

A video went viral featuring hundreds of bats living under someone's roof. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection says that if you discover an infestation of bats of this magnitude in your home, you'll likely have to call in the professionals.

Gallery Credit: Jahna Michal