Bats Cause a Stir at Fairhope School Basketball Game
By Isabella Gomez
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
February 5, 2026
FAIRHOPE, Ala. A basketball game being played at Fairhope’s West Elementary school received a few uninvited guests that caused a bit of surprise and concern Monday night.
While playing in the school’s gym, bats began joining in the game, flying about and causing a stir.
The gym was evacuated and Principal Jenny Davis said the gym will stay closed until the maintenance department removes all the bats and the space is professionally cleaned.
Principal Davis said that all parents were notified.
Bats often find shelter in attics, crawl spaces and areas where it’s dark and when it’s cold, they seek shelter and warmth, just like most animals, said animal expert Jeff Goin.
While bats generally won’t attack people, they are known to protect their young. They also carry diseases and fecal matter can cause harm to humans.
The school informed parents that the gym will be closed during the day and for after-school activities while crews work to get the bats out and clean the area.
Until that’s done, students will be having P.E. in alternate locations.
Goin said the bats likely entered a space on the roof seeking warmth and shelter.
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