1,600 bats fell to the ground during Houston's cold snap. Here's how they were saved

[yellowdogintexas]

10. chimney cap just keeps them out. Ours has a very sturdy screen

under a top that sort of looks like a little pyramid. Critters can get under the little hat but can't come down the chimney. This one is similar but has a different 'hat'

https://www.famcomfg.com/products/chimney-caps/

Google chimney caps and you will get links to dozens of different styles.

It sticks up about a foot from the rooftop, solid aluminum tube about 6" in diameter. If we ever wanted to use our fireplace, smoke would still come out.

Our HVAC guy put it in to keep various creatures out.

We had a nasty problem with squirrels getting down into our attic; after the cap we no longer do.

Of course if you put up a bat box in your yard, they will just go there. We wish there were enough bats here to have one since their main diet is insects ( as retired cavers we also have a soft spot for bats)