SO YOU FOUND A
BAT!
First things: Never touch a bat barehanded! This is for your safety and the bat's, even if you suspect that it is a baby!
When you find help, call or text the rehabilitator with a photo of the bat.
What to do now?
You may see a bat hanging during the day, this is not always a cause for alarm, but feel free to send a picture to me or another local rehabber.
If you think that the bat is in an unsafe location and you are not equipped to safely handle the animal, please call a rehabber or local animal control officers to help.
A grounded bat is usually in need of help, but may just need to be moved up to a higher point where they can rest safely before taking off.
Please do not feed or water any wildlife you find, this can severely and negatively impact their rehabilitation. Start by getting the animal securely contained in a box with airholes (be careful for bats, they can fit through very small holes, so use a pen to make air holes). Keep the animal warm, dark, and quiet while you wait for advice from a wildlife rehabilitator.
Is the bat injured, sick, or orphaned?
DO NOT HANDLE BATS BAREHANDED
This may be hard to tell if you are unfamiliar with bats, but start by sending a photo to myself or another licensed bat rehabber.
Can you get the bat safely contained?
BATS CAN FIT THROUGH VERY SMALL OPENINGS
You can use a dustpan or a gardening glove to gently scoop the bat into a container. Be aware that the bat will probably be frightened and make noises or move quickly to startle you.
Where is the nearest rehab?
CHECK YOUR LOCAL RESOURCES
Start with Bat World Sanctuary's Local Rescue map . From here, you can also call Animal Control, Parks and Wildlife/Department of Natural Resources, or your local Veterinarian.