Unsettled bats avoiding roads

BATS are protecting themselves by avoiding crossing roads, disrupting their ability to reach feeding and roosting areas.

Researchers at the University of Exeter investigated more than 1,000 bat deaths caused by collisions with cars, and found evidence that the animals were avoiding roads.

Across Europe, an average of 43,500 miles of new roads are laid down every year, with the UK planning to spend more than £15 billion on road schemes, such as 400 miles of new motorway.

Dr Fiona Mathews, from the University of Exeter, said: “We need to know a lot more about how roads affect bats. For example, tree-lined minor roads posed less of a barrier, but also increased the risk of collision with vehicles. Closed tree canopies might encourage bats to fly higher and stay out of the path of oncoming traffic.”