Dear Bat World Supporter,

The weather is beginning to warm up in most areas of the U.S. and with that, calls are coming in about downed bats. This is a hard time of the year for bats as they are waking up from hibernation as well as migrating back from Mexico. If you happen to find a bat, please remember we are only a phone call away (940-325-3404). We work with bat rescuers and centers across the U.S, and we will always do our best to find you help! Please keep reading for our latest news.

BRANCH

A sweet Egyptian fruit bat will be on his way to us next week from Virginia. He was rescued after being kept as a pet along with three other fruit bats. Sadly, the person who bought the bats went on vacation and paid someone to come in to feed and water the bats while he was gone, however, that person never showed up. Branch, the lone survivor, was rushed to a veterinary clinic clinging to life. Thankfully, a wonderful veterinary technician saved him and then contacted us. Branch (named by the technician’s 3 year-old daughter) is currently receiving excellent care by the vet tech. He is in a bird cage for now, and as you can see, he is desperate to fly. Hang in little Branch, you will soon have an expansive indoor/semi-outdoor flight enclosure with over 100 new friends of your own kind, and you will never go without food and water again.

 Donations from our wonderful supporters allow us to save bats like branch by providing fuel for our volunteer transporters, and even airfare when needed. Thank you for any help you can provide.

USDA BAT WELFARE SYMPOSIUM

If you recall, last February a tragic and preventable incident occurred during our rescue of 325 tiny short-tailed fruit bats.  After this occurred, we contacted the Director of the Center for Animal Welfare at USDA. We had several lengthy conservations with the Director on the treatment captive bats receive and the specialized care that bats actually need. This resulted in the first ever USDA Symposium on Bat Welfare in which our Founder and President, Amanda Lollar, will be speaking on four topics over this two-day virtual symposium.

This virtual event will address proper care and welfare considerations for captive and wild bats. Guest speakers will cover a wide range of topics focusing on general improvements to health and welfare, managing bat populations, bat transportation and more. We applaud USDA for taking action for bats by creating this critically needed symposium. A change in regulations is desperately needed in order to get bats like Branch (above) out of the cruel, exotic pet trade.

This event is free for all who would like to attend. Register by clicking here, and remember to add it to your calendar!

BABY SEASON IS ON THE WAY!

Baby bat season is approaching in the United States, and that means more people will find bats in need of assistance. May through August are our busiest months, with calls coming in from all across the country from people seeking help with bats they have found. Read below to find out exactly what to do if you find a bat in trouble!

Step 1- CONTAINMENT! If the bat is on or near the ground, use puncture proof gloves or a cloth (or both!) to place the bat into a sturdy cardboard box with a lid. Add a cloth, a shallow dish of water, and keep the box indoors, somewhere safe, quite, and away from children and pets. Do NOT attempt to feed or handle the bat as that will put both the bat, and you, at risk!

Step 2- FIND HELP! Use our Locate a Rescuer map to find your nearest bat rehabilitator. Be sure to leave messages with any rescuers within 100 miles. If you cannot find local help, or you receive no response within 6 hours, please call us!

Step 3- TRANSPORT! Wildlife rehabilitators volunteer their own time and money to save bats. If you are able, please offer to transport the bat to the rescuer. Even offering to meet halfway is a big help! You might also consider making a donation to help with their rescue efforts. If you cannot transport, please inform the rescuer as soon as possible so that they can work on transport. If they cannot arrange something, please call us at 940-325-3404 so we can assist through our nationwide volunteer transport network.