It's rare to see bats resting in plain site, but it's not uncommon. 

In a recent media release, the Shuswap Community Bat Program explained that in August, bat pups are learning to fly and leaving their summer roosts, and may be found in some unusual places around town. The organization said that's normal for this time of year, but reminded people to never touch a bat, dead or alive, with bare hands. 

"Leave the bat alone," program coordinator Anna Skurikhina said in the release. "If you find a bat on a wall, and it's unlikely that young children or pets will come into contact with it, then it is best to let it hang out. It will likely fly off after dark or in a few days."

She suggested alerting others by placing a note nearby urging they "Leave the bat alone. It's sleeping."

Though only a low percentage of bats in B.C. carry rabies, it's still best to avoid any contact. If moving a bat is required, Skurikhina advised using a trowel to gently pick it up, or "touch the bat's feet with a two-foot long stick until it grabs on."

"Always wear leather gloves to protect yourself from contact," she added. "Release it by placing it on a large tree, as high up as you can reach."

Children should also be warned not to touch, play with or try to rescue injured or sick looking bats, no matter how cute they may be. If a bite or scratch from a bat is suspected, immediately wash the area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, and contact a doctor or go to the emergency department as soon as possible. 

Under the BC Wildlife Act, it is illegal to exterminate or directly harm or harass bats, which are important and beneficial creatures. 

"They are essential to our economy and our ecology," Skurikhina said. "All 15 species of bats in B.C. eat insects, including mosquitoes, flies, agriculture and forestry pests."

For more information on safely moving a bat or to report a sighting, visit the Got Bats? BC Community Bat Program's website , or call 1-855-9BC-BATS ext. 24.