Basic bat care
Any bat that is found on the ground, or in an exposed area, especially during the day, is likely to need help.
How can I help?
If the bat is on the ground , on an outside wall, or in exposed area where it may be vulerable, it should be contained in a box (see the instructions below) and you should call the Bat Helpline 0845 1300 228 for further advice. We have details for over 200 Bat Carers operating throughout the UK, and can put you in touch with someone nearby who can help.
You should avoid handling the bat, but if it is necessary WEAR GLOVES due to the small risk of a rabies type virus.
Containing a bat
You will need:
- A shoe box, with holes punched in the lid (or container of equivalent size)
- A cloth or teatowel
- A plastic bottle cap (milk bottle tops are perfect)
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How to contain the bat:
1. Contain the bat:
a) Like a spider, by placing a box on top of it and sliding a piece of card underneath.
b) alternatively, cover the bat with a cloth/teatowel and carefully scoop it up and place it in the box.
2. Put a tea towel or soft cloth in the box for the bat to hide in.
3. Put in a small, shallow container e.g. a plastic milk bottle top with a few drops of water (not enough for the bat to drown in). Make sure the water is topped up regularly.
4. Keep the bat somewhere quiet and dark at room temperature
5. Most importantly, call the Bat Helpline on 0845 1300 228 for local bat carer numbers.
Only a bat that has been confirmed as fit and healthy by a bat carer should be released, and never during the day.
Please don't assume the bat is healthy and leave it outside to fly away.
In winter, our Helpline is not manned on evenings and weekends. Please, therefore, leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. In emergencies, however, some local bat group helplines may be able to assist if you are located in their county (see below), and if you are unable to reach a carer we would recommend taking the bat to a local vet or wildlife hospital, who have a duty of care to all injured wildlife.
BERKSHIRE: 07005 803 201(http://www.berksbats.org.uk/)
CORNWALL: 01872 278 695 (http://www.cornwall-batgroup.co.uk/)
SOUTH DEVON: 01803 782 218 (http://www.dbg.me.uk/)
ESSEX: 07734 265 571 (http://www.essex-batgroup.org.uk/)
EAST LANCASHIRE: 07761 850052 and 07894 338290 (http://www.eastlancsbats.org/help-ive-found-a-bat/)
GWYNEDD AND ANGLESEY: 01766 762 437 (http://www.gwyneddbats.org.uk/)
HERTFORDSHIRE AND MIDDLESEX: please visit http://hmbg.org.uk/ or in emergencies only call 07770 515551
SOUTH LANCASHIRE AND MANCHESTER: 0161 764 8850 (http://www.slbg.org.uk/)
LEICESTERSHIRE: 01572 75527
LINCOLNSHIRE: 01775 766 286 (http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/)
SOUTH YORKSHIRE: 07717 290538 / 07796 572915(https://sites.google.com/site/southyorkshirebathelpline/)
WEST YORKSHIRE: 01924 256 577 - this is an answermachine service, checked twice a day. (http://www.westyorkshirebats.org.uk/)
