Photograph by Chris Damant
Found A Bat
Found a bat?
Bats are protected by law, but you are allowed to help a bat in trouble. As there is a small risk of rabies transmission from bites and scratches you must protect yourself and the bat by wearing gloves.
A bat may need help if:
- It’s on the ground
- It’s out during the day, on a wall for example
- It’s been in contact with a cat
- It’s stuck to something, like flypaper or brambles
- It’s inside a building
- A roosting place has been disturbed, for example building works, or it has fallen when a shed or garage door has been opened
If you can reach the bat safely, it needs to be contained. Something the size of a shoe box with small holes punched in the top is ideal. Add a small soft cloth, a milk bottle top of water and you have the perfect bat hotel. Keep the box somewhere quiet, away from animals and children and call the National Bat Helpline on 0345 1300 228 for advice on what to do next.
There are two ways to contain a bat – either cover it with a box, and gently side a piece of card underneath, or cover it with a soft cloth and carefully pick it up and place it in the box. Wear gloves and a face covering for both methods as it’s not yet known whether humans can pass the Covid-19 virus to wild animals.
All our bats eat insects, so unless you have a jar of midges in the cupboard, you don’t need to feed it.
Baby bats and adults can be almost the same size, but a newborn will fit onto a 50p piece. They are usually born early in June (depending on the weather), bald and with their eyes closed. As they develop, the fur gradually grows, forming a suede type covering when they are a few days old.
More detailed advice can be found on the Bat Conservation Trust website
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