Home >> Science & Nature >> Animals & Science

How to Care for a Brown Bat With a Torn Wing

Bats may be scary to some, but they play a vital role in our ecosystem, controlling the insect population even better than pesticides. Due to the growing numbers of predators such as feral cats, many bats are on the endangered species list. If you see an injured bat, it is imperative to treat it with extreme care and delicacy, for the bat's safety and your own. The good news is that torn wings heal quickly, just like skin, so with the proper care, your bat will soon be able to return to the wild.

Things You'll Need

Gloves
Soft cloths
Shoebox

Instructions

- 1
  Immediately report the injured bat to your local wildlife care group. You can find a list of volunteer bat rehabilitators on the Bat World website, linked in this article's resources. You can also call your vet or local zoo for a contact of the appropriate rescue organization.
- 2
  Call your local health department for advice if you have been bitten, or if the bat was found inside a home with children or disabled persons.
- 3
  Wear gloves if you want to move the bat out of harm's way while waiting for a rescue worker. Gloves are necessary to prevent yourself from disease, parasites, scratches and bites.
- 4
  Make a note of where you found the injured bat, so it can be released to the same location.
- 5
  Prepare a container for the bat by placing a soft cloth on the bottom of a shoe box and punching air holes in the lid of a box. Gently place the bat inside the box, using extreme care.
- 6
  Cover the bat with a light cloth.
- 7
  Keep the bat warm, at around 80 degrees F.
- 8
  Tape the box shut and keep it in a dark, quiet place while waiting for help, or while you transport the bat to a wildlife care center. Don't handle the bat or try to feed it, and keep it away from children and pets.
- 9
  Wash your hands or anything the bat came into contact with.

Animals & Science