What to do if you find a bat
Sarah Lyne (Managing Director and Principal Ecologist) is registered with the Bat Conservation Trust and Surrey Bat Group as a bat carer. aLyne Ecology recently attended a comprehensive bat care course run by Sussex Bat Care. Sarah currently has two permanent resident common pipistrelles, Bonnie and Bella, who will remain in Sarah’s care for the duration of their lives, due to injuries sustained to their wings, meaning they can not fly, and therefore can not be released into the wild.
Found a bat?
Bats are regularly found by members of the public when they have been grounded for unknown reasons. Usually, bats are grounded because they are injured by cats, hit by cars, or are struggling to find food and are therefore too weak and underweight to fly.
If you find a bat, immediately call the Bat Conservation Trust National Bat Helpline. This is a specialised hotline to advise people on what to do if they find a bat.
BCT National Bat Helpline: 0345 1300 228
Alternatively, if the bat is found in Surrey, you can call Sarah directly on 07443 652988.
DO NOT TOUCH THE BAT. Never touch a bat as there is a risk of rabies. However, if the bat is in immediate danger and must be moved to safety, wear gloves before picking it up.
Keeping a bat safe
To keep a bat safe, place it within a shoe box with some airholes and keep the shoebox in a dark, quiet place.
More information about what to do if you find a bat can be found on our ‘What To Do If You Find A Bat‘ blog.
