Lincoln Animal Control (LAC) has been hard at work this year responding to a different kind of bat-signal.
From January to August 2025, LAC has responded to a total of 440 calls regarding bats from Lincoln residents. Division Manager Denise Bollwitt tells KLIN News, of those, 181 were tested, 163 were released, and seven bats tested positive for rabies.
“With recent storms and tree damage, some bats have lost their habitats and are coming into people’s houses,” said Bollwitt. “So it’s very important for community members to make sure their pets are up to date on the rabies vaccines.”
If you find find yourself encountering a bat outside, Bollwitt says don’t play hero and leave the bat alone, and keep pets and the young children away from it.
But if a bat weaseled it’s way inside your home, Bollwitt recommends trying to safely place a container over it. If you succeed, keep an eye on it and contact Animal Control. Do Not release the bat outside prior to LAC officers picking it up so they can test for disease.
“We don’t want anybody to have to go through rabies prophylaxis if we can avoid it,” she said. If someone has come into contact with a bat, call LAC at 402-441-7900.
If you find bat droppings around your home, that’s the best indicator you have a stowaway. Bollwitt recommends the following steps to bat-proof your home:
- Examine your home for holes where bats could enter. Caulk any openings larger than a dime.
- Use window screens, chimney caps and make sure there are draft guards beneath doors to attics and basements.
- Fill electrical and plumbing holes with stainless steel wool or caulking.
- Ensure that all doors to the outside close tightly.
LAC will assist with small bat infestations, but if you have a large number or colony on your property, Bollwitt says you will have to call a wildlife removal company.
“We’ll come out and remove the bats if they’re actually in your house, one or two of them,” she said. “But once it starts becoming excessive, then you’re going to have to get a hold of a wildlife removal agency because that’s their expertise, not ours.”
For more information on Lincoln Animal Control, visit lincoln.ne.gov.