In BITZ, a municipality in the Zollernalbkreis district of Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Published/Updated 13.03.2025
(Translated)
Bats like these inhabit the cave where teenagers set off a firecracker. (Symbol photograph/Philipp Brandstädter/dpa)
Unknown individuals have broken into a cave – with far-reaching consequences. Two of the bats have already lost their lives – and the number could continue to rise.
A firecracker set off in the “Hohlen Fels” cave in Bitz apparently resulted in the death of at least two bats. This is according to a Facebook post by Dieter Hoffmann, chairman of the “Albstadt Cave and Karst Working Group.” The police are also aware of the incident.
A wildlife camera recorded five people, including presumably four teenagers, entering the cave in early February, Hoffmann writes—at a time when people have no business being there.
Cave closed in winter
From October 1 to March 31, there is a bat protection period, and visitors are prohibited from entering the cave. This apparently didn’t stop the unknown individuals from entering the cave and setting off a firecracker, as police confirmed in response to an inquiry from Schwäbische.de.
A bat died after unknown persons set off a firecracker in the “Hohlen Fels” (Hollow Rock). (Photo: Private)
For one of the bats, this meant immediate death, according to bat expert Hoffmann. It lay lifeless on the cave floor. “Something that doesn’t happen with bats that die a natural death, as they always seek a crevice somewhere, even with their last ounce of strength,” he explains on social media.
Another bat was found dead in a crack in the ceiling. It likely returned to the cave a few days after the incident and died there, Hoffmann speculates. It is currently unclear how the remaining bats that used the cave as a winter quarters will cope with the incident. However, their survival is not yet assured.
A bat was found dead in a ceiling crack. (Photo: Private)
If these sensitive animals are disturbed during hibernation, they lose energy that they urgently need until spring, the NABU writes on its website. This can be life-threatening for them. Whether the bats of the “Hohlen Fels” will survive depends on weather conditions and possible further disturbances, Hoffmann writes.
Not an isolated case
According to the bat expert, the fact that some bats returned to the cave despite the incident makes it clear how urgently the animals need the “Hollow Rock” as a winter quarters, “since the bats apparently do not know of any alternative quarters nearby.”
The Hechingen public prosecutor’s office is now investigating the case. The district office has filed a complaint against unknown persons. The perpetrators are accused of violating the Federal Nature Conservation Act.
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