Bat on an outside wall

Always wear gloves to handle bats. If you need help, call the Bat Helpline - 0845 1300 228

If the bat is out of the way of passers by and cats, then it is best to leave it where it is. Sometimes bats do roost in the open air, especially in the mating season during the autumn.

However, if the bat is somewhere where it could be in danger, please call the Bat Helpline on 0845 1300 228 for advice. It may also be in need of assistance by an experienced bat carer, in which case it will need to be contained. 

Bats do sometimes die hanging on walls. Their legs are constructed in such a way that they will not lose their grip when they are relaxed - so if it has been there for a number of days this might be what has happened. Again, please call the Bat Helpline on 0845 1300 228 for advice.