There’s a very good chance that you’ll encounter a bat at some point in your life.

There are more than 1,500 species of these fascinating flying mammals, found in almost all habitats outside the polar regions, and many of them have adapted to living around humans.

The big brown bat, a common species in the United States, likes to hang out in buildings, including the attics of homes. The attraction for a bat makes sense: An attic is very similar to a cave. It is climate controlled, dark and free from predators. It is the perfect spot to rest – until the bat gets discovered by humans.

In spring and early summer, bats are migrating to their summer habitats and are more active when they get there, so they’re turning up in unexpected places.

As a bat biologist, I get many calls and emails at this time of year from people wondering what to do about bats in or around their homes. If you find one in your house or elsewhere, here’s what you need to know. Quick tip: Even if it’s not moving, it’s probably not dead.

To avoid health risks, take precautions

First things first: Even though the risk of getting rabies from a bat is low – about one to three people get rabies in the U.S each year – it is a fatal disease and bats can carry it, so it’s important to take precautions.

If a person gets bitten or scratched by a bat, or if the bat was in a room while........

© The Conversation