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It’s that time of year again – juvenile bat season is in full swing! Right now, young bats (called pups) are taking their first wobbly flights and learning how to forage for insects. Just like human toddlers learning to walk, these youngsters are prone to making mistakes, which means they often end up grounded, exhausted, or in places they shouldn’t be.
During late summer, juvenile bats are gaining their independence. While their mothers are out hunting, adventurous or confused pups might attempt to fly before they have the strength or navigation skills to sustain it. Because bats require a drop to take flight, a pup that lands on the ground usually cannot get back up into the air. If you find a bat on the ground right now, there is a high chance it is an inexperienced juvenile that needs a little help, or an orphaned pup that needs immediate professional rehabilitation.
With recent media coverage highlighting rabies, it is completely normal to have questions and concerns. Rabies is a serious viral disease, and bats are considered a vector species. However, the reality is that a very small percentage of wild bats carry the rabies virus.
The media often sensationalizes the danger, but the safety protocols are incredibly simple and highly effective: Never handle a bat with bare hands. If a human or pet is bitten or scratched, the bat must be euthanized for rabies testing by law ,so handling them without protection puts both you and the animal at serious risk.
If you spot a bat on the ground, on a low wall, or inside your home, follow these steps to ensure everyone stays safe:
1.Do Not Touch with Bare Hands:
Keep children and pets far away. If you must contain the bat, always wear thick leather work gloves or use a heavy towel.
2.Safely Contain the Bat:
The safest method for you and the bat is to place a small, ventilated box (like a shoebox with pencil-sized air holes) directly over the bat. Gently slide a piece of cardboard underneath the box to safely trap the bat inside without direct contact.
3.Keep It Dark and Quiet:
Keep the box in a warm, dark, and quiet place. Do not attempt to give the bat food or water, as improper feeding can cause aspiration or organ failure.
4.Call a Wildlife Rehabilitator:
Contact your local bat rescue or licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. We will assess the situation, guide you on what to do next, and determine if the pup can be safely reunited with its mother or if it needs to come into our care.
Bats are incredibly important to our ecosystem, providing vital pest control by eating thousands of mosquitoes and agricultural pests every single night. By keeping a safe distance, using proper containment methods, and calling the professionals, you can save a pup’s life while keeping your family safe.
If you find a bat in need, don’t hesitate – reach out to a local rehabilitator today!