Instructions for Release
Always wear gloves to handle bats. If you need help, call the Bat Helpline 0845 1300 228.
If the bat is obviously active and not injured, you could try to release it at dusk. However, you should first contact the Bat Helpline to see if there is a local rehabilitator who can assess the bat prior to release, and can help if the bat does not fly away.
When releasing the bat, you should wait until dusk, or as near to that time as possible. Place the box on its side, so the bat can crawl straight out. Bats need to drop and swoop to become airbourne so the box should be on the top of a wall or on a shed roof, at least five feet off the ground, as near as possible to where the bat was found. It should be placed somewhere safe from predators. The bat can then crawl out of the box and fly away when it is ready.
If the bat does not fly away within about fifteen minutes it might need further attention, so take it back inside. You may have a bat rehabilitator in your area (call the Bat Helpline 0845 1300 228 to find out); if not, take the bat to the vet the following morning. If you pass the bat on to a bat rehabilitator it is important also to pass on details of who found the bat, where and in what circumstances it was found.
If you think it is a baby bat, keep it contained and seek further advice immediately.