San Antonio – Early morning residents near Jubilee Highland Hills charter school on Goliad Road reported hearing an unusual flapping sound on August 20. Witness Cassandra Estrada described the noise as “fast flapping, like you know birds don’t flap,” and later identified the creatures as bats.
KSAT staff captured video of several small, winged animals circling the school’s rooftop that evening. Animal Care Services Field Manager Captain Bethany Snowden said the species is most likely the Mexican free‑tailed bat, a tiny bat that can enter structures through very small openings.
Humane exclusion plan
The school’s superintendent’s office confirmed the presence of bat activity on the roof and announced that a qualified professional vendor is conducting a humane exclusion process. The method uses nets to capture the bats and then seals the entry points to prevent future access.
Snowden explained that Mexican free‑tailed bats roost in warm, dark spaces during the day and emerge at night to hunt insects. San Antonio’s Bracken Bat Cave, home to more than three million bats, illustrates how common the species is in the region.
Student and staff safety
School officials stressed that classrooms and other student areas have remained bat‑free. They are urging staff and students never to touch a bat, alive or dead, because bats can carry rabies. “If you encounter a bat, do not touch it. Call 311 for assistance,” Snowden advised.
Rabies is a serious disease that can be transmitted through a bat bite, even if the bite is not obvious. Leaving the animal alone and notifying authorities is the safest way to avoid exposure.
Community response
Parents expressed relief that the school is addressing the issue promptly and using a humane approach. The exclusion work is expected to be completed within the next few weeks, after which the roof will be inspected and sealed to keep the building bat‑free.
Local wildlife experts note that while bats play an important ecological role by controlling insect populations, their proximity to schools and other public buildings requires careful management to protect public health.
The school plans to keep the community informed as the exclusion process progresses and will provide updates on any further safety measures.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
