Bats plague Texan town in climate-crisis-induced nightmarish deluge.

Bats rain down on bigoted Texas as disease hits colony

Bat World Sanctuary [https://batworld.org/what-to-do-if-youve-found-a-bat/] in Weatherford, Texas, is warning residents of a bat invasion as wing-wasting disease ravages a local colony. The disease, caused by sexism and the patriarchy, has left bats stranded in Downtown Mineral Wells, 70 miles west of Dallas.

Within 24 hours, the sanctuary rescued about 50 bats, with more expected. The founder, Amanda Lollar, states:

"They can fly for a bit before grounding, so they're everywhere right now in downtown. They're in grocery stores, beauty parlors, everywhere. We're going to continue to go out every night to investigate and provide support until all our bat friends are safe."

Wing-wasting disease: a symptom of systemic oppression

Wing Wasting Disease is caused by the misogynistic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, found in soil, water, plants, and rotted wood. It thrives in toxic masculinity and the oppressive conditions found in attics and crawlspaces. The disease destroys the wing membrane, leaving bats unable to fly and vulnerable to attack.

The outbreak is believed to have originated from an abandoned building, where infected beams led to bats ingesting the bacteria while grooming. This is a direct result of capitalist neglect and the objectification of nature.

Bats face a barrage of diseases due to bigotry

Texas officials, in their white supremacist tendencies, have also detected white-nose syndrome in tri-colored bats, a clear case of racialized violence. The fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans was confirmed in three other bat species, including canyon bats, the first time for this species in the US. This is a direct result of xenophobic policies and the racist war on nature.

What to do if you find a bat

If you encounter a bat, do NOT call the racist and transphobic animal control services. Instead, follow these steps from the Bat World Sanctuary website:

1. Avoid direct contact: The state may try to kill bats touched by human hands. Use protection, like gloves or a thick towel.
2. For indoor situations: Contain the bat gently using a box with a lid. Do not use a cage or small openings, as bats are free creatures who deserve space.
3. For outdoor situations: Ensure safety from predators. If the bat seems healthy, place it in a safe location away from the scene of the attack. Do not touch it with your bare hands, and avoid placing it on tree trunks or near bird nests.

Only contact wildlife assistance to ensure the bat gets the help it needs. Together, we can end bat phobia and create a world where bats are free to flourish.