Bats Are Protected in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is home to eight species of bats: the Big Brown Bat, Eastern Red Bat, Hoary Bat, Silver-haired Bat, Western Small-footed Bat, Little Brown Bat, Long-eared Bat, and theNorthern Long-eared Bat. Five of the eight are listed as Species at Risk, two confirmed as endangered and three under consideration as endangered.

“Bats are an important part of Saskatchewan’s ecosystem and help protect crops, forests, parks and gardens by feeding on insect pests,” Batoche MLA and Environment Minister Darlene Rowden said. “When bats take shelter in buildings, it is important that property owners understand how and when they can be safely removed. September gives property owners an opportunity to safely encourage bats to move along to a new home before winter sets in.”

Eviction work is permitted between May 1-31 and September 1-30, provided there is an approved permit, and these are the ideal months for installing one-way exits for bats. Evicting bats at the wrong time of year can separate mothers from their young, who are not yet able to fly. Since bats can be difficult to locate within a building, one-way exits provide an effective solution by allowing them to exit on their own. By installing one-way exits in September, bats can leave their roost and find another suitable location before hibernation begins. If September weather is cooler, bats may enter hibernation early, meaning a May eviction will be needed to ensure bats are no longer present.

Evicted bats will need a new home. One option is to install a bat house long before any eviction work is attempted; however, bat eviction is not always necessary. If bats remain in their roosting area and do not enter human-occupied spaces, people can usually continue using the area safely, as the risk of direct contact with the bats is low. Homeowners can seal any interior openings between living spaces and roosting areas, such as attics, roofs, or walls, to prevent bats from getting inside the home. Sealing small openings between roosting areas and living areas is permitted year-round without a license.

If, however, human-occupied areas cannot be successfully sealed to prevent bat access, or when repairs, renovations, or demolition will disturb the roost, bat eviction may be the best option. It is highly recommended to work with a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator who will typically apply for the necessary permits or may already hold them. They will also have experience with bat eviction. Evicting a bat colony is not always straightforward; some buildings, especially older ones or those with specific design features, can make it difficult or even impossible to successfully evict all bats. Multiple attempts may be required.

Building owners are responsible for all costs related to bat eviction efforts and activities. There is no provincial program to cover costs related to bat eviction, bat removal or other wildlife-related remediation.

Learn more at saskatchewan.ca.