Globally and locally bats play a vital role in contributing to healthy natural ecosystems keeping people healthy. Protecting bats and their habitats not only safeguards their populations but also reduces the risk of zoonotic disease.
Zoonotic diseases are transmitted from animals to humans. Bats are no more likely to spread zoonotic diseases than other animals. Unfortunately, as humans encroach into even more landscapes where animals live, the risk of human-bat interactions does rise.
The risk of contracting a disease from a bat is generally low, especially if you avoid direct contact with bats. If you encounter one, avoid handling it and contact our National Bat Helpline. By following good practices - such as proper vaccinations, health advice, and respecting wildlife - we can minimize risks while coexisting with bats.
Most bats will never come into contact with humans and pose no risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases. Instead, the 1,465 species of bats that make up the second largest group of mammals on the planet are playing vital ecological roles that contribute to healthy natural ecosystems and human economies. They eat destructive insects, pollinate valuable plants, and disperse seeds critical to regenerating essential forest.
