SUWON, Feb. 4 (Korea Bizwire) — Reports of bats – known as primary hosts of the coronavirus – in various locations in cities and towns are causing fear among local residents.
It is less likely, however, that bats in South Korea could be the source of a coronavirus spread, studies show.
The Gyeonggi Province Wild Animal Rescue and Management Center said on Monday that a total of six cases of bat appearances were reported in January.
Considering that bats normally hibernate in caves from October to May in the following year, the number of appearances is unusually high.
The reasons for waking up from hibernation may range from fluctuating weather conditions, approach by predators, outside noises, and moving to a new habitat.
“There are more than 20 different kinds of bats in South Korea, all of which are different from the ones designated as primary hosts for the coronavirus,” said Dr. Chung Chul-un from the Korea Bat Habitat Preservation Research Institute.
Image Credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
