Bats in the Life Sciences Belfry

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Posted on 18 April 2013

A pipistrelle bat found in a corridor of the Huxley Building was rescued and released by Life Sciences staff.

The bat was found by cleaning staff on the morning of April 18th and released into the courtyard of the Huxley Building. 

Keele campus is renowned for its abundant wildlife and bats are commonly seen on summer evenings.  Pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) are the smallest and commonest British bat: they eat small moths, gnats and other insects and a single bat may consume up to 3,000 insects in one night.

Pipistrelles hibernate from November to early April, so this confused individual was probably just emerging from hibernation after the harsh winter.  In the summer they roost in buildings, bat boxes and trees: all of which are abundantly supplied by Keele campus!

In the summer they tend to roost in buildings, bat boxes and trees. In the winter they also use trees and buildings, as well as large churches and cellars. They hibernate from mid-November to the beginning of April. They are rapid, agile fliers, flying about 5-10m above the ground.In the summer they tend to roost in buildings, bat boxes and trees. In the winter they also use trees and buildings, as well as large churches and cellars. They hibernate from mid-November to the beginning of April. They are rapid, agile fliers, flying about 5-10m above the ground.

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