injured bat

Injured or grounded bats

Found an injured or grounded bat? If the bat is in danger, carefully pick it up by wrapping a tea towel over it and scooping it up. Take care not to pull it away forcefully. Keep it safe in a shoebox or similar, with a tight-fitting lid so the bat can’t get out, but punch some small holes in the lid to let in air. You are not recommended to handle bats directly unless you have been trained in holding these fragile creatures as you can easily cause damage.

Now please call the BAT HELPLINE for advice.

BAT HELPLINE: 366177

A bat in the house?

If a bat gets into your house by accident, for example through an open window, if you open the windows wide and close the door, it is likely to find its own way out. This is usually the best option at night. If found during the day, the bat may be sleepy and not keen to fly in the open, where predators may lurk. The bat may then be stored in a box (with air holes) and released outside at sunset, in a site safe from cats. It may take 20 minutes to wake up and warm up so give it time to make its own way off.  If necessary, you may remove a bat from the living space of a house, but please handle with great care by the method noted above and wear rubber or similar gloves. Never catch a bat in flight. A lively bat may be difficult to catch, though, as it can sense your approach, even in the dark!