WELCOME TO EAST DORSET BAT RESCUE AND REHABILITATION

I'VE FOUND A BAT IN THE DAYTIME, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

A bat indoors or found hanging/lying outdoors during daylight hours is most likely injured by a cat or predator and needs help. 

Safely containing the bat

• Put on a pair of thick gardening gloves to prevent yourself from being bitten. Any frightened wild animal can bite to protect itself.

• Use a small cloth to cover and pick the bat up with. The bat will need water for shock. This can be offered easily. Put tissue paper, soaked in water, into a clean plastic milk bottle top or similar, then place into a small cardboard box e.g - shoe/cereal box. 

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• Place the cloth with the bat in it into the box. Make sure the bat cannot escape through any small gap. If you can put a pen through a hole, the bat can get out. 
  
  

• Tape around the lid will prevent the bat from escaping.

We strongly advise against piercing the box as perforations on the interior may cause injury to the bat. 

• Please store the box containing the bat in a dark, dry, cool place away from noise and predators/pets. This is to minimise stress for the bat. 

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• If the bat is a furless baby (Pup) which has become separated from its mother please store the box containing the bat in a warm area. 

For bats found locally in East Dorset and requiring rescue, please call EDBRR on 07746 743221; the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999, or the Bat Conservation Trust Helpline on 0345 1300 228 (please check BCT opening hours).