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In this episode of Living The Wildlife podcast, Stephen Vantassel, a wildlife control consultant, discusses the importance of protecting hands with gloves when handling bats. He starts by welcoming his listeners and encouraging them to subscribe to the channel and leave a five-star review. He also mentions that listeners can download his podcast at Rumble.com. He then talks about safety issues related to bat removal, especially when removing young from living spaces. Vantassel discusses the importance of protecting hands with gloves and the balance between dexterity and protection.
He then talks about an interesting article written by Dr. Patricia Freeman and Dr. Cliff A. Lemen from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln entitled “Puncture Resistance of Gloves for the Handling of Bats.” Vantassel summarizes the research carried out in the article, which aimed to find the most puncture-resistant gloves for handling bats while maintaining manual dexterity. The researchers calculated the sharpness of a bat’s tooth and created a puncture tool that mirrored its sharpness. They then mechanically tested the puncture resistance of various types of gloves, including split cow, pig, deer, goat, top-grain cow, elk, cotton, and rubberized cotton gloves.
Vantassel explains that the researchers standardized the amount of force being used to test each glove and found that the thickness of the glove was crucial in determining the level of protection it offered. Thicker gloves provided more protection but less dexterity. On the other hand, thinner gloves offered more dexterity but less protection.
Stephen provides some information on how to protect oneself from bats, specifically regarding gloves to wear while handling them. Deerskin gloves are not as protective as split cowhide gloves, but they still offer about 82% of the protection provided by split leather gloves. Medium-sized bats would include big brown bats, which weigh 15 grams, and hoary bats, which weigh up to 25 grams. Large bats, on the other hand, would include the greater spear-nosed bat at 90 grams and the great fruit-eating bat at 70 grams. Anything 1.4 ounces or larger is considered a large size bat, while anything smaller than that is a medium to small bat. In terms of the ability to puncture, split cowhide gloves offer the best protection, while goat skin gloves offer the least protection. Elk skin gloves offer more protection than goat, but they can be pretty expensive. It is best to consult with a doctor about getting rabies prophylaxis shots before being bitten by a bat. Vantassel recommends Patricia Freeman and Cliff Lemon’s article “Puncture Resistance of Gloves for Handling Bats” published in the Journal of Wildlife Management in 2009 for more information on protective gloves for handling bats.
In conclusion, the importance of protecting oneself when handling bats cannot be overstated, as it can prevent the transmission of rabies and other diseases. Stephen Vantassel’s discussion on the different types of gloves and their levels of protection can serve as a valuable guide for wildlife control consultants, researchers, and enthusiasts alike. It is crucial to strike a balance between dexterity and protection when selecting gloves for bat handling. Vantassel’s recommendation of Patricia Freeman and Cliff Lemon’s article serves as a great starting point for anyone interested in further exploring the topic. However, this information needs to be widely disseminated to all individuals involved in bat handling, including homeowners and pest control operators. It is our collective responsibility to protect ourselves and these fascinating creatures while maintaining a healthy balance. So, let us spread the word and encourage everyone to adopt safe practices when handling bats by wearing the appropriate gloves and getting vaccinated against rabies.
#wildlife #bats #safety #gloves #protection #animalcontrol #rabiesprevention #wildlifemanagement #puncturetest #dexterity #StephenVantassel #livingthewildlife
Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE
Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC
Blog: https://wildlifecontrolconsultant.com/
Papers: https://kingsdivinity.academia.edu/StephenMVantassel
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxP_IBhnqcgvX_aRM4f91nQ
Podcasts: https://pestgeekpodcast.com/stephen-vantassel/
Phone: 406-272-5323 Mtn Time
Helping people resolve conflicts with wildlife through teaching, training, writing, and research
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