Rats on a Bat Hunt: An Unexpected Fight for Survival!

Rats on a Bat Hunt: An Unexpected Fight for Survival!

Biologists observed an unusual spectacle in the Segeberg Kalkberg cave. Using infrared lamps and light barriers coupled with cameras, more than 30 attacks by brown rats on bats were documented over a period of five weeks. In 13 of these cases, the attacks were fatal for the small flying mammals, which were not only killed by the rats but also taken away and eaten scinexx reported. It is not the first time that such incidents have been observed, as eaten bat carcasses have also been found in Lüneburg's Kalkberg.

The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), originally native to East Asia, has spread worldwide with the help of humans and can now be found on almost all continents, with the exception of Antarctica. This rodent has become particularly established in human settlements and is known to feed on both plant and animal foods. A special ability of brown rats is their use of whiskers as vibration sensors to detect bats even in the dark, which is an extraordinary hunting strategy.

The hunting strategies of brown rats

Brown rats use two main strategies to capture their prey: they wait patiently at the entrance to the bats' winter roosts or attack quickly as soon as the bats rest or land. Biologists estimate that these rat populations in Segeberg kill thousands of bats every winter, which is not only a concern for bat populations but also potentially poses a health risk to humans. These animals are vectors of viruses, and there is a possibility that rats may pick up pathogens from killed bats and carry them into urban environments.

Although there is currently no evidence of an acute health risk, controlling rat populations in cities and near bat roosts is considered urgent. A targeted approach could not only protect endangered bat populations, but also minimize potential risks to human health. According to estimates, a small colony of just 15 brown rats could prey on 7% of the approximately 30,000 bats that hibernate in the region, further illustrating the scale of the problem.

A look at the brown rat

The brown rat is characterized by its variable fur color, which ranges from dirty gray-brown to dark brown-black. It has a head and body length of 18 to 26 cm with an equally long tail and weighs between 170 and 350 grams. It reproduces all year round and the sexually mature animals give birth to between one and 15 young. In their natural habitat they inhabit forests and bushy areas, while in urban environments they are often found in sewers, landfills or even basements.

This impressively demonstrates why the protection of bats and the control of the brown rat population are of great importance for a healthy ecosystem. By continuing to monitor the situation and taking appropriate action, a balance between species may be achieved, benefiting both bats and people in the area.