Found a Bat?

I’ve Found a Bat!  Now What?

A bat that is found indoors is most likely to be a crevice-dwelling species. Although the fur color of crevice-dwelling bats varies, it is usually a shade of gray or brown. These bats are often lost youngsters or migrating bats.  We’ve outlined a process below which you should attempt to follow if you do encounter a bat in your residence or somewhere it’s not supposed to be.

1. Wait until the animal is motionless. A bat that is flying is almost impossible to catch, and you have a greater chance of injuring the bat if you attempt to capture it while it is airborne. In addition, bats that are caught while flying frequently panic and attempt to bite. Be patient. Wait until the bat lands and is still, and then proceed to step 2.
2. Contain the bat. Quietly approach the bat, and wearing thick gloves or using a thick towel, gather the bat up (holding it securely but not tightly) and place it into a box or similar container with a lid. Or instead, simply place a box, waste can, coffee can or similar object over the bat where it has landed. Then, take a piece of cardboard and gently slide it between the box and the surface the bat is on (i.e. floor, wall or ceiling). Keeping the cardboard in place, gently turn the container right side up.
3. Another option is to use thick gloves and gently place a small hand towel over the bat and gently (do not squeeze) pick the bat up and place into a secure container.
4. Do not use hard objects to attempt to capture bats, this could injury or unintentionally kill them. Bats have delicate finger bones that can easily break.
5. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately!

Important note!: Do not place the bat in a bird cage or container with small openings. Bats are very intelligent and can easily squeeze through a 1/4 x 1/2 inch crack.