Family in Misamis Occidental rescues, cares for bat that fell into their house

A family in Clarin, Misamis Occidental, rescued and cared for a bat that accidentally fell into their house. 

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," which aired on August 21, the family has named the bat Kerew. The bat is identified as a megabat, also known as a fruit bat or flying fox. 

Carmel Doldolia shared that she and her family did not get scared of Kerew because there are a lot of bats in their area. 

They rescued the bat back in May when it fell into their home, and decided to care for it in the meantime until it learns to fly. 

"Nahulog siya sa dingding namin, namataan ng husband ko. Kinuha niya. Hindi pa siya marunong lumipad kaya nag-decide kami na alagaan na lang siya," she said. 

"Three times namin siya pinapainom ng gatas. Morning, lunch time, at tsaka in the evening. Umiinom siya ng gatas tapos pinapakain na rin namin ng fruits, so far nakakain na siya ng watermelon, ng mangga, ng makopa, papaya." 

According to Carmel, they allow Kerew to hang on a piece of clothing when inside the house. 

But while there were some netizens who were amused by Carmel's videos of Kerew on social media, there were also others who felt alarmed that the family was keeping a bat in their home. This is because bats are known to be carriers of some viruses, which can be passed onto humans. 

"May mga bat I know na reservoir ng iba't ibang mga viruses na may potential na mag-jump from them to humans," said Jay Fedelino, a wildlife biologist at the Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman. 

Fedelino also said that there are still possible hazards even if the bat has warmed up to the family. 

"Kailangan pa rin natin tandaaan na hindi ibig sabihin nun walang possible hazards 'yung pag-handle nila ng paniki. Pwedeng accidentally masugatan sila nun," he said. 

It is also illegal to keep bats as pets, per Fedelino. 

"Kailangan mo ng proper permits from the government to possess wildlife," he added. 

Carmel has clarified that their family does not intend to keep Kerew forever. 

"Hindi pa siya marunong, kailangan pa talaga siyang alagaan pero balak talaga namin na once marunong na siyang lumipad nang malayo, pakawalan talaga namin," she said. 

Meanwhile, Kuya Kim explained that flying foxes or fruit bats like Kerew are herbivores and are known to eat fruits, flowers, and nectar. They are considered pollinators and seed dispersers, meaning they transfer pollen from one flower to another when they feed, and also disperse seeds in various areas that help in forest regrowth. 

—CDC, GMA Integrated News