Bat Found on the Ground
Always wear gloves to handle bats. If you need help, call the Bat Helpline - 0845 1300 228
A bat found on the ground during daylight hours is likely to be in trouble already.
Bats are protected, so it is normally illegal to keep healthy, flying bats, and a licence is needed to handle them. However, anyone who finds a bat that is ill or injured may take care of it in whatever way is most humane and practical with the objective of its rehabilitation to the wild. There are a number of experienced bat rehabilitators in the UK, so in these circumstances please contact the Bat Helpline on 0845 1300 228 for assistance - we will be able to put you in touch with your nearest bat rehabilitator.
Sometimes a grounded bat may just be exhausted and need a bit of time to recover with a little help. It may be injured or in danger from passing cats so it is better to take it into captivity temporarily. Click here for instructions on how to contain the bat, and what to do after this.
Bats are gentle creatures and seldom show any aggression but they are wild animals and may be frightened or in pain. You must take care not to be bitten so wear thick protective gloves and handle the bat as little as possible. Most of the UK's bats have such small teeth that a bite will not break the skin. However, a strain of the rabies virus has been found in a small number of British bats, so although the risk is very small, you must take precautions to avoid being bitten or scratched.
What to do if you are bitten or scratched by a bat or a bat bite or scratch is suspected