5 Essential Steps for Caring for a Found Baby Bat: What To Do Next
Welcome to the world of bats, a fascinating group of creatures that have long captured our imaginations. These nocturnal mammals play a crucial role in our ecosystem, but they are often misunderstood and feared. One of the most misunderstood species is the baby bat. If you ever come across a baby bat, it can be both exciting and overwhelming. You may be wondering what to do next. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will guide you through the necessary steps on what to do if you find a baby bat. So let’s spread our wings and dive into the intriguing world of baby bats.
Finding a baby bat can be a surprising and daunting experience for many people. These small creatures may seem intimidating at first, but they are actually quite harmless and beneficial to the environment. As a crucial part of our ecosystem, it is important to know what to do if you find a baby bat. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to handle and care for a baby bat, as well as provide important information on their behavior, diet, and rehabilitation.
Understanding Baby Bats
Before we dive into what to do if you find a baby bat, it is important to understand these creatures and their behavior. Baby bats are known as pups and they are born in late spring or early summer. They are born blind and hairless, but they quickly develop into cute, fuzzy creatures within the first few weeks of their lives.
Baby bats rely heavily on their mothers for care and protection. They do not have the ability to survive on their own until they are about six weeks old. During this time, the mother will teach them how to fly and hunt for food.
It is not uncommon for baby bats to fall from roosts or get separated from their mothers during this crucial learning period. This is when they may need our help and intervention.
Dangers of Handling Baby Bats
Although many people may want to help a lost or injured baby bat, it is important to understand the potential dangers of handling them. Bats are known carriers of rabies, although not all bats have the virus. It is still important to take precautions when handling any wild animal.
If you must handle a bat for any reason, always wear thick gloves or use a thick cloth as a barrier between your skin and the bat’s teeth or claws. Avoid direct contact with its saliva or any open wounds on your body. In addition, always wash your hands thoroughly after handling a bat.
Do’s and Don’ts of Handling a Baby Bat
If you come across a baby bat, there are certain things you should do and avoid doing to ensure its safety and well-being. Here are some helpful tips:
Do:
- Handle the bat with care and gentleness.
- Wear thick gloves or use a cloth to handle the bat.
- Place the bat in a warm, dark and quiet place.
- Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.
- Observe the bat from a safe distance if it is still mobile.
Don’t:
- Panic or make loud noises near the bat.
- Pick up or handle baby bats with bare hands.
- Try to feed the baby bat yourself.
- Release it back into the wild without proper assessment and rehabilitation.
Caring for a Baby Bat
Proper care and handling of a baby bat is crucial for its survival. If you have contacted a wildlife rehabilitation center, they will provide further instructions on how to care for the baby bat until they can take over.
If you are unable to reach out to a wildlife rehab center immediately, here are some important steps you can take in caring for a baby bat:
Step 1: Create a Comfortable Environment
Place the baby bat in a small container lined with soft towels or cloth. The container should have enough space for the baby bat to move around but not too large that it can injure itself. A shoebox or plastic storage container would be suitable.
You can also create warmth by placing a heating pad or warm water bottle under the container, making sure that the baby bat has enough room to move away from the heat source if it gets too warm.
Step 2: Keep it Warm
Baby bats need warmth to survive as they cannot regulate their own body temperatures. The ideal temperature for a baby bat is between 80-90°F (26-32°C). You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust accordingly.
You can also provide warmth by placing a clean sock filled with uncooked rice and microwaving it for 30 seconds. Place the warm sock in the container with the baby bat, making sure it does not touch or cover the bat.
Step 3: Do Not Feed It
It may be tempting to feed a hungry looking baby bat, but it is important not to give them anything until they have been assessed by a professional. Baby bats have very specific dietary requirements and giving them the wrong food could be harmful. In addition, feeding a baby bat without proper training can also cause them to choke or aspirate.
Rehabilitating a Baby Bat
As mentioned before
Understanding the Situation
Finding a baby bat may seem alarming at first, but it is actually a common occurrence during the warmer months. These small mammals are often mistaken for rodents, but they are actually part of the order Chiroptera, meaning “hand-wing.” Baby bats, also known as pups, are very vulnerable and require special care if found alone. It is important to understand their behavior and needs in order to provide proper care for them.
Do Not Touch or Disturb
The most important thing to remember if you find a baby bat is to not touch or disturb it in any way. Baby bats, like all wild animals, can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. They also have sharp teeth and claws that they will use if they feel threatened. If you must handle the bat, make sure to wear gloves and use a towel or cloth to scoop it up without touching it directly.
Observe from a Safe Distance
If you come across a baby bat on the ground or hanging low on a tree branch, the best course of action is to observe from a safe distance. This allows you to assess the situation without causing any harm to the bat. From a distance, you can determine if the bat is injured or if there are any predators nearby. If you notice any signs of injury or observe predators in the area, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator
Wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals who specialize in caring for injured or orphaned animals. They have the necessary skills and resources to provide proper care for baby bats and prepare them for release back into the wild. If you find a baby bat that appears injured or abandoned, do not attempt to care for it yourself. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center and follow their instructions.
Do Not Attempt to Feed the Bat
It may be tempting to try and feed a baby bat if you find one in distress. However, it is important to remember that wild animals have very specific dietary needs and feeding them the wrong food can do more harm than good. Baby bats require a specialized diet that only a wildlife rehabilitator will be able to provide. Attempting to feed the bat on your own can also cause it to become dependent on humans, making it unable to survive in the wild once released.
Keep Children and Pets Away
If you discover a baby bat, it is important to keep children and pets away from it. Bats are often misunderstood and feared, which can lead to misguided attempts at handling or harming them. Additionally, children and pets may unintentionally harm the bat or become injured themselves. It is best to keep a safe distance until help arrives.
Provide Shelter and Safety
If you find a baby bat that appears healthy but is unable to return to its roost, you can offer shelter and safety until help arrives. A small box lined with a soft cloth or paper towel can make an ideal temporary shelter for the baby bat. Be sure to poke small holes in the lid for ventilation and keep the box in a quiet, warm place away from direct sunlight or drafts.
In conclusion, finding a baby bat may seem like an overwhelming situation at first, but there are steps you can take to ensure its safety until professional help arrives. Remember not to touch or disturb the bat, observe from a safe distance, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance, do not attempt to feed it yourself, keep children and pets away, and provide appropriate shelter and safety until help arrives. With proper care from trained professionals, these tiny creatures have a better chance of survival in their natural habitat.
Q: What should I do if I find a baby bat?
A: If you have found a baby bat, the best thing to do is leave it alone and let its mother take care of it. Baby bats are often left alone by their mothers while they go out for food.
Q: What are some signs that a baby bat needs help?
A: If you find a baby bat on the ground or in an unusual place, it may need help. You can also look for signs of injury such as broken wings or excessive bleeding.
Q: How do I safely handle a baby bat?
A: It is important to remember that bats are wild animals and can carry diseases. If you must handle a baby bat, wear gloves and use a towel to gently pick it up and place it in a safe, ventilated container.
Q: Where should I take the baby bat?
A: The best place for a baby bat is in its natural habitat, with its mother. However, if the mother is nowhere to be found, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance on how to proceed.
Q: Can I keep the baby bat as a pet?
A: No, it is illegal to keep bats as pets and they require specialized care that most people are not equipped to provide. It is important to respect their natural habitats and leave them in the care of professionals if necessary.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally come into contact with a bat while handling the baby?
A: If you come into contact with any bodily fluids from the bat (blood, saliva, etc.), wash the affected area with soap and water immediately. Seek medical attention if necessary and also contact your local health department for guidance on potential rabies exposure.
In conclusion, finding a baby bat can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. However, it is important to remain calm and remember that these creatures are not aggressive and are in need of our help and protection.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that baby bats require specialized care, and attempting to care for them on your own may do more harm than good. In most cases, it is best to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who has the knowledge and resources to provide proper care for the baby bat.
Secondly, if you do decide to take on the responsibility of caring for a baby bat yourself, it is important to educate yourself on their diet, behavior, and habitat needs. This will require plenty of research and possibly guidance from a wildlife expert.
Furthermore, when handling a baby bat, it is important to wear protective gloves and avoid direct contact with their teeth or claws as they can carry rabies or other diseases. It is also crucial to keep them away from domestic animals or other pets.
Lastly, prevention is always better than cure. By taking necessary precautions such as sealing up any possible entry points into your home or building, removing any potential food sources for bats, and installing bat boxes in suitable areas outside your home, you can reduce the chances of finding another baby