When should you avoid excluding bats from a structure to prevent harm to the young?

The correct answer indicates that bats should not be excluded from a structure between April and July primarily because this period coincides with the breeding season and the time when bat pups are most vulnerable. During these months, female bats give birth and raise their young. Excluding bats during this time can lead to significant harm to the young bats, as they may be left behind, unable to survive without their mothers.

In addition, many bat species exhibit strong maternal instincts, and the exclusion could effectively cause the mother to abandon or misplace her young in the process. By avoiding exclusion during this period, it helps ensure the well-being and survival of the bat population, allowing them to rear their young safely.

Other time frames suggested do not correspond to crucial breeding or rearing times, making them safer for exclusion efforts. For instance, October to March is typically far enough removed from the breeding period, and exclusion during those months would have minimal impact on bat populations.