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 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