Found a bat?
Help! I’ve found a bat, what do I do?
It’s a statement we hear often and we’ll help where we can. However, Durham Bat Group is not a rescue centre so we can not come and collect bats. The set of questions set out below will help guide you to the best solution for you.
Firstly, where is the bat? This will determine how you deal with it. Follow these questions to see what you best options are.
Question 1
Is the bat in your house?
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No – Go to question 2
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Yes – Go to question 4
Question 2
Has the bat been disturbed during building work?
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No – Go to question 3
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Yes: If possible, carefully recover the bat and contact the BCT Helpline. If the bat can’t be returned to its original place then secure it following our containment advice before contacting the BCT Helpline.
Question 3
Is the bat in a reachable location?
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No – Keep an eye on it to see if becomes reachable.
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Yes - Follow the containment advice and contact the BCT Helpline
Question 4
Is the bat flying around the house?
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No: Contain using our guidelines and contact the BCT.
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Yes. Don’t try and chase it, you’ll only stress yourself and the bat. If possible, contain it in one room. It will eventually settle so you can encourage it out at dusk. Once it is dark (or if it already is) open the windows in the room wide, keep curtains and blinds well out of the way and turn off all the lights. You want them to be able to see it is dark outside so they fly out, if lights are on they can’t tell that it’s an exit. It may take quite a while for a bat to leave. If it doesn’t go, contain it using our guidelines then contact the BCT.
BCT HELPLINE
If you need any help with an injured bat please call the BCT Helpline (0345) 1300 228
We are sorry but Durham Bat Group doesn’t run a bat rescue service and emails to our team about injured bats may not be seen in sufficient time. We do have a number of carers within our group who are registered with the BCT so the helpline will help you find a carer close to you.