Fruit Bats: What They Are and What to Do When You See One

Fruit bats (also called flying foxes) are big, noisy bats that eat fruit and nectar. You’ll spot them roosting in trees by day and leaving at dusk to feed. If you find one in your yard, don’t panic: avoid touching it, keep pets and kids away, and call a local wildlife rescue or conservation group. Handling them can risk injury to the bat and to you.

Why fruit bats matter

These bats are major pollinators and seed dispersers. In Africa they help spread seeds of figs, baobabs and many native trees — trees that support birds, insects and soil health. One bat can carry seeds several kilometres, helping forests recover after fires or clearing. For farmers, bats can be allies: they pollinate trees and help maintain healthy ecosystems that support future harvests.

Yes, they sometimes eat ripe fruit from orchards. But the bigger picture is that healthy bat populations keep forests and food webs working. Losing bats often means fewer native trees and more soil erosion over time.

How to live with fruit bats — practical tips

Protect your fruit without harming bats. Use lightweight bird or fruit netting over small trees, or harvest fruit as it ripens instead of leaving it on the tree. Netting should be supported so bats don’t get tangled — use frames or hoops and check nets daily.

If bats roost in a tree on your property, avoid cutting or trimming that tree during breeding season. Loud noise or bright lights only move the problem elsewhere and stress the animals. Plant buffer trees away from orchards with native flowering species to give bats alternative food sources.

Never try to kill or scare bats with poison or traps. Those methods are illegal in many places and often spread problems rather than solve them. Instead, contact local wildlife or forestry services for humane advice on roost management and non-lethal deterrents.

Found an injured bat? Don’t touch it with bare hands. Wear thick gloves or use a towel if you must move it into a box, but the best move is to call a wildlife rehab or vet. They know how to care for bats and test for possible illnesses safely.

Want to help bats? Plant native fruit trees and flowering species that bloom at different times of year. Support local conservation groups and spread the word: fruit bats are not pests to be exterminated — they’re essential nature workers that deserve protection.

Got a bat question near you? Reach out to a local wildlife group — they can give location-specific advice and help keep both your crops and bats healthy.