Can you eat cave bat guano?
Quick Answer
No
Cave bat guano, or bat droppings, are not safe for human consumption. They contain harmful bacteria and fungi that can cause serious diseases.
What Is It?
Cave bat guano is the excrement of bats that live in caves. It is often used as a fertilizer due to its high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Historical Context
Historically, bat guano has been used as a fertilizer and a gunpowder ingredient due to its high nitrogen content. However, it has never been considered safe or suitable for human consumption.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating bat guano poses several health risks:
- Exposure to harmful bacteria and fungi, such as Histoplasma capsulatum, which can cause histoplasmosis, a serious lung disease.
- Potential for transmission of diseases from bats to humans, including rabies and other viral diseases.