Bats to be removed from housing project

GRIFFIN - Officials are prepared to remove dozens of bats from a housing project after determining that they are not an endangered species, as originally believed. <br> <br> The state Department of Natural Resources issued a permit last week to remove the bats to the Griffin Housing Authority, which oversees Fairmont Homes, said Jim Ozier, a wildlife biologist for the DNR. <br> <br> The big brown bats are not on the federal endangered species list, but they are a protected species under state law. When public safety is a factor, the bats can be removed with a special permit. <br> <br> Michael Pope, a technician hired to get rid of the bats, said they will be gone within a week. <br> <br> Pope said it was never his intent to remove the bats now during their mating season which started May 1 and ends Aug. 15. But due to the outcry from the community, he had no choice but to begin, he said. <br> <br> ``It would be a better situation if we waited,&#39;&#39; Pope said. ``We are taking animals out of their homes and they may not understand.&#39;&#39;