After many years of living on Cortes Island with a large number of Yuma Bats (Myotis yumanensis) under the same roof, and after collaborating with BC bat experts (mist-netting, census-taking), I can vouch for the essential and profound peacefulness of these small mammals. And I need not remind the reader that they are of extreme benefit to us all, by consuming large quantities of insects, especially night-flying moths, which could become serious garden pests otherwise.
The unfortunate fact is : Bats are the only known carriers of rabies in this province. And even though the incidence rate is very low (0.1 - 0.5% in wild populations), given the seriousness of the disease, one simple rule applies : "If a Bat allows you to touch it, DON'T !"
Should accidental bodily contact occur, consult a physician.
Other than that : enjoy these skillful and beautiful night-fliers. They have no quarrel with you. Cortes Island is lucky to have them around.