WATCH: Hundreds of bats removed from veterans organization headquarters

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MAIDEN, N.C. — Crews in Catawba County removed hundreds of bats this week from Post 420, a veterans organization's headquarters.

The North Carolina Health Department and an expert from the North Carolina Wildlife Damage Control inspected Post 420 weeks ago over concerns about a bat problem.

[PAST COVERAGE: Maiden American Legion infested by bats]

Post 420 is part of the North Carolina department of American Legion, the world’s largest veterans organization.

The wildlife expert said he could hear the bats when he inspected the building and could see droppings on the tiles of the ceiling.

He believed the bats came in through tiny cracks at the top of the building.

VIDEO: Bats removed from veterans organization headquarters

"They do carry some disease.  But probably no more than a raccoon or other animals.  Just don't touch them if you see them.  If you do [touch them], contact the game warden," NC Wildlife Removal Service worker, Jeff Truitt, said.

"I've seen one come through the door one time," veteran Commander Mike Sudderth

The veterans have been coming to Post 420 for more than 70 years.

On Saturday nights, Post 420 hosts dances.

Management said those dances continued regardless of the bat infestation.

"My dad comes down here and if I felt it was a danger to him, he's 84-years-old, I would say stop everything," Sudderth said.

Federal law prevents the removal of bats from May 1 through July 31 because many times they have just given birth to their pups.

That's why the bats weren't removed until the beginning of August.

The health department had asked leaders to refrain from holding dances and other events until the bats were removed.

Sudderth said it would have taken a lot of bats to change his mind about holding events at Post 420.

"If they convinced me that it was [unsafe], we'd close it down," he said.

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