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Highlands police raise awareness of protections offered to bats under law


By Louise Glen

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A bat at night. Photo: Hugh Clark
A bat at night. Photo: Hugh Clark

Police in the Highlands and Islands have turned the attention on bats as part of its year-long awareness raising of wildlife crime.

Reminding people that all ten species of bats found in Scotland and the places in which they roost are protected under law.

A police spokeswoman said: "The next topic on our year long focus on our wildlife crime is bat crime.

A bat in the attic may be protected under law.
A bat in the attic may be protected under law.

"All ten species of bats found in Scotland are protected. It is an offence to capture, injure or kill a bat.

"Destroying or damaging a roost is a strict liability, meaning it is not an excuse to say you were unaware of the roost.

"If you become aware of such offences please report it to Police Scotland."

It is illegal to kill, injure, harass or disturb bats or damage their roosting place, whether this is deliberate, reckless, or even done through a lack of awareness.

It is also an offence to possess, sell, or advertise a bat or any part of a bat.

The spokeswoman continued: "Bats perform important roles in environments around the world.

Bats live in small spaces. Photo: Daniel Hargreaves
Bats live in small spaces. Photo: Daniel Hargreaves

"In Scotland, they help keep midge numbers under control.

"If you find a grounded or injured the Bat Conservation Trust has advice on what to do.

To find out more or to report wildlife crime click here.




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