Houston Wildlife Heroes: Over 1,000 Frozen Bats Rescued Amid Arctic Blast

Houston’s dedicated wildlife rescue teams have embarked on a crucial mission to save hundreds of frozen bats, providing them with a second chance at life. 

The Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center has become a hub for the rehabilitation efforts.

Houston’s Early Morning Wildlife Rescue Mission

The rescue operation kicked off at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, with teams strategically visiting four bridges across the Houston area, including prominent locations like the Waugh Bridge, Sugar Land, and Pearland. 

By Tuesday afternoon, over 900 bats had been successfully rescued from these areas, and officials anticipate the retrieval of an additional 300 bats by evening.

Tiffani Gallardo, a spokesperson for the Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center, shed light on the rehabilitation process. “We have incubators, which we set at a very high temperature, so about 95 degrees. We’re keeping the humidity about 86% because that’s the type of environment the bats thrive in. We’re going to stick them in there, and their bodies are going to slowly warm up and start moving around again, get their bearings again, and kind of come out of that freeze state. Once they’re out of that freeze state, we’ll provide them with some fluids,” explained Gallardo.

Bat Release: Houston’s Thursday Liberation

Highlighting the significance of bats in the community, Gallardo emphasized their crucial role in controlling insect populations, including mosquitos and moths, which can pose threats to crops.

As the rescued bats undergo rehabilitation, the goal is to release them back into their colonies.
The Houston Humane Society aims to carry out the release by Thursday, taking into consideration the expected temperature of around 70 degrees, ensuring a favorable environment for the bats to resume their natural activities.

This collaborative effort showcases the dedication of Houston’s wildlife rescue teams, not only in preserving individual species but also in maintaining the delicate balance of the local ecosystem.