Not only are bats nocturnal in nature, they are generally very scared of humans. So, if you come across to bat on the ground, especially in the middle of the day, it is a blatant sign that something is wrong with the bat. For this reason, there are several safety precautions that you must take if you are considering helping the bat.

Continue reading to learn exactly what you should do if you ever find a grounded bat around your property.

Causes for Grounded Bats

There are many reasons why bat might be alone on the ground. One of the most common reasons has to do with illness. Bats are common carriers of the rabies virus, and one of the telltale signs of being infected with rabies is a backwards biological circadian clock. Basically, when a nocturnal animal is out during the day, it could be a sign that they are rabid or at least infected with rabies.

Another common cause of grounded bats is injury. A bat might’ve injured its wing and therefore, incapable of achieving flight. In other cases, a grounded bat is simply the result of a baby being abandoned or lost from its mother. In most cases, the mother comes back for the baby bat because they only have one per season. However, it is also common for mothers to entirely abandon their pup in the case that it is ill. Sometimes, I bat is simply tired and need to just take a rest.

What To Do For a Grounded Bat

The most important consideration you need to keep in mind when helping a grounded bat is personal safety. Under no circumstances should you ever attempt to attach or harm a bat. For this reason, it is important that you don yourself with the proper protective gear including thick work utility gloves that come up to the elbows, as well as a facemask. You also need a shoe box or some other type of similar container, as well as a soft cloth. You will not need to lead, but you will need some sort of sturdy stationary card.

First and foremost, give the bat a few hours to see if it’s just resting. It might take off and fly away soon. If it is still there after 6 to 8 hours, you can proceed with the following steps.

Start by segregating all other people and pets from the bat. Lock up your dogs and cats inside the house and tell your children to stay inside with them.

Next, put all of your protective gear on and slowly approached about holding your shoebox and lid. Slowly place the box on top of the bat and then using your stationary card, gently slide the bat inside the box.

Place a soft cloth inside of the box in the corner for the bat to feel safe and comfortable. Take the box with the bat to a faraway, safe habitat, such as a woodland area near a body of water.

Place the box on top of something high and leave the bat there. Eventually it should crawl out or take off. If it is sick, nature will simply take its course and the bat will become one with the ecosystem once again.

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