Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Zap the Bat

Relating back to our previous article on the large number of bats found every nights coming out to feed on bugs at dusk, we've managed to domesticate one of these 'demon birds'. Our neighborhood has had a resident bat for almost three months (around Halloween, coincidentally), he's out there every day and quite easy to see. We've nick-named him 'Zap' due to the fact that he was electrocuted by the power lines, and can be found still clutching with the rigor mortis of his little bat claws.

At first, we treated him with awe, wondering about the strange bat anatomy and what it looked like. Slowly this awe turned to concern, as no one came to remove this morbid crucifix from outside our house. Now, our opinion has turned to disgust. The rain and humid weather has taken its toll on our friend Zap, we think his days are numbered. I had him clutching on until the end of March, but he doesn't look like he will last through the week.

Zap seems to be a little light-headed, having been detached from his torso and dangling towards the cement. What once looked like an intact coat of fur is now a mangled mass of nasty. As the before and after pictures show, only the skeleton is keeping Zap from landing face first onto Pacific Street. We haven't figured out what to do about the post-hanging Zap, but are avoiding parking underneath him just in case.

posted by ncawthon at 8:17 PM