Are bats sensitive to light?

Question

Alright, I'm pretty sure I saw a bat in my basement. When I turned on the light, it fluttered away into the corner and disappeared behind a hole in the wall. My roommate went down there and started to play the drums, and said that because bats are extremely sensitive to sound the bat should fly out, but it didn't. I said that they are extremely sensitive to light, and that is why it fluttered away. And if it was sensitive to sound, it wouldn't come out of hiding and flutter towards the noise. Who is right?

Answer 1

They don't like bright lights OR loud sounds.  They are nocturnal animals and have sensitive ears because of their echolocation.  

It could be that what you saw in your basement was a large moth.  If you're sure it was a bat, please whatever you do, do NOT harm it.  Bats are extremely beneficial and help our world a great deal.

If it IS a bat, and it's living in  your walls, etc, and you'd like to get it out of your house and walls, please email me and I'll tell you how to humanly drive it out and keep it out.

Answer 2

  They have eyes and can see but they navigate with high frequency sonar.

Answer 3

Try this site:

http://www.getbatsout.com/batinhouse.htm

These other educational websites may also be of some use...

http://www.batworld.org/main/main.html

Bat World Sanctuary has been on the front line of activism to end the abuse and destruction of bats. They have been recognized as the world leader in bat rehabilitation for the past decade.

http://www.batcon.org/home/default.asp

BCI's mission is to teach people the value of bats, to protect and conserve critical bat habitats, and to advance scientific knowledge through research. All this while using a win-win beneficial solution that will benefit both bats and people. We invite you to explore our comprehensive website and learn more about these unique animals and why we need to protect them.

http://www.batconservation.org/

The Organization for Bat Conservation is a non-profit organization. Our mission is to preserve bats and their habitats through education, collaboration, and research.