DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The city of Daytona Beach has approved roughly $26,000 to remove thousands of bats from the Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium, officials said.
City officials estimate as many as 6,000 bats have made the stadium their home, moving from the visitors’ side to the home side over the past few years.
The removal process is expected to take about a week, with crews working against an April 15 deadline, when bat maternity season begins and removal becomes illegal under state law.
“The service includes the complete exclusion of the stadium for 31 rows along the entire length of the bleachers and the sides,” city documents stated, adding that the effort will create a “safer and more enjoyable environment for all visitors.”
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James Dean, a state wildlife trapper, explained that the removal process involves placing netting over entry points. “Once they fly out, they can’t get back in,” Dean said.
Dean emphasized the urgency of completing the removal before April 16, when young bats unable to fly will begin relying on their mothers for food. “You’re able to do that right now without getting into any trouble, but once April 16 gets here, you cannot do that at all,” he said.
While bats play a crucial role in the environment, Dean warned they can carry rabies, and their droppings can spread disease. The city said removal crews will begin work as soon as possible.
