Austin’s Bat Population Faces Threat from Glue Traps Amid Calls for Ban

Austin’s Bat Population in Peril Due to Glue Traps

Austin, Texas, is becoming a battleground for local wildlife, particularly its beloved bats. Advocates for the city’s bat population are raising concerns over the use of glue traps as a method of pest control. These traps are not just capturing intended pests; they’re putting a wide range of animals at risk, sparking a push for their ban within city limits.

Concerns Raised at Animal Advisory Commission Meeting

The discussion around glue traps heating up recently took place at the Animal Advisory Commission meeting on September 6. During the meeting, Dianne Odegard, the executive director of the Austin Bat Refuge, spoke out against the traps, calling them a form of extreme cruelty. Glue traps are marketed to catch specific species but can ensnare a wild variety of creatures, including insects, birds, reptiles, and even domestic pets.

The Case Against Glue Traps

According to Odegard, animals caught in these traps experience horrific suffering. They die from dehydration, starvation, exhaustion, panic, stress, and pain. Not only do the traps harm wildlife, but they can also pose threats to humans. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned against using glue traps, noting the fright they cause can lead to animals urinating, which can spread bacteria and disease in the environment.

At the Austin Bat Refuge, volunteers work tirelessly to treat bats caught in these traps. They have described the heart-wrenching sounds emitted by these distressed animals, some even attempting to “chew off their legs to escape.” The rehabilitation process to free the bats involves applying vegetable oil to loosen them from the trap, followed by soap to wash away the oil.

Why Bats Matter to Austin

Bats play a significant role in Austin’s ecosystem. With an estimated 100,000 bats residing within the city limits year-round, their presence is crucial for local biodiversity. Austin is positioned along the Central Flyway, a major migratory route for birds and bats. The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge has even become a tourist hotspot, recognized as home to the world’s largest urban bat colony. This unique environmental composition heightens the risks posed by glue traps.

A Call to Action

In light of the growing concerns, bat advocates are urging the city to ban glue traps both for city use and on sales within Austin. The Animal Advisory Commission has expressed unanimous agreement regarding the cruelty of these traps. They are set to discuss a resolution to ban the traps at their next meeting, which would then be forwarded to the City Council for consideration.

Next Steps for City Commission

Chair Ryan Clinton proposed forming a working group to address the issue should the City Council take action. Commissioner Whitney Holt, who initiated this point of discussion, expressed optimism, asserting that even incremental changes would represent a victory for animal welfare.

The Animal Advisory Commission is composed of local volunteers and, while it lacks regulatory power, it plays a vital role in advising the city council and county commissioners on animal welfare matters.

Conclusion

The push to protect Austin’s bats is part of a larger movement aimed at safeguarding urban wildlife. Advocates believe banning glue traps is essential for the welfare of both bats and the city’s broader ecosystem. The fate of these creatures now rests with local decision-makers, as the community hopes to see more humane solutions to pest control in the future.