· If you have any concerns call the Bat Helpline on 0845 1300 228.

 

 

· Several members of South Yorkshire Bat Group operate a rescue and rehabilitation service for injured or grounded bats, however for legal and insurance reasons any request to collect a bat must come through the bat helpline above.

 

· All UK bats are endangered, and protected by law. Click here for more details of the relevant legislation.

 

· Always wear gloves to handle bats.

· 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/carers in the UK, so in these circumstances please contact the BCT Helpline on 0845 1300 228 for assistance - we will be able to put you in touch with your nearest bat carer.

· Sometimes a grounded bat may just be exhausted and need a bit of time to recover with a little help, or it may be injured, or in danger from passing cats so it may be better to take it into captivity temporarily and follow the instructions below.

 

· If possible, do not handle the bat at all. If it needs to be protected, cover it carefully with a shoebox, bucket, or similar—preferably leaving a small shallow container of water with it and making sure there are no holes big enough for it to escape ! If the bat must be moved, place a suitable object such as a teatowel in front or to the side of it and gently encourage it to move by it’s self—for example blowing gently or touching gently with a soft object (paintbrush etc). Bat wing bones are extremely thin and fragile, and bats have tiny claws which they use to grip walls etc. Even the gentlest of handling is highly likely to break bones and/or tear off claws.

· 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 British bats so although the risk is very small, you must take precautions to avoid being bitten or scratched. Click here for some basic information on bats and Rabies

· If you are bitten by a bat or if a bite is suspected telephone the helpline immediately.

· All U.K. bats are small and you may be surprised at the size. Baby bats are found in June, July or early August. At all other times of the year, it will be fully-grown and independent. Baby bats have little or no fur. A good test is to blow the fur very gently - if it parts then the bat is unlikely to be very young. If you are sure it is a baby, you must get expert help as quickly as possible in order to try to locate the roost and return the baby to its mother.