Every August, the Bat Phone starts ringing at the Humane Society. Callers are surprised by bats in the house. Thing is, bats love attics. Little ones, born in late spring, can't fly for several weeks. "In August, they leave the roost for the very first time, and often take wrong turns — like going through a slit around the attic door frame into the house rather than going out their 'normal' exit hole under the eaves of the attic to the outdoors," says Laura Simon, field director of urban wildlife at the agency. Here's what you do, assuming you can corner the critter: Wearing leather gloves, put a coffee can or shoebox over the bat. Slide a piece of firm cardboard underneath. Release it outside in a tree or on a wall — most bats can't fly up from the ground (some can run, however).
Follow Life's Little Mysteries on Twitter @llmysteries. We're also on Facebook & Google+.
