What to Do if You Find an Adult Bat
Finding a bat can be alarming. Whether the bat is on the ground, inside your home, or separated from its roost, knowing how to respond safely and legally is critical for both human health and the bat’s survival.
When a Bat Needs Help
A bat always needs professional help if:
You find it on the ground.
It appears injured, cold, weak, or unresponsive.
The roost has been disturbed or destroyed.
What NOT to Do if You Find an Adult Bat
To protect yourself and the bat, never:
Touch a bat with bare hands (bats can carry rabies).
Attempt to feed a bat.
Throw a bat into the air or try to make it fly.
Place a bat outside at night unless a rehabilitator instructs you to do so.
Improper handling can seriously injure the bat and expose you to health risks.
How to Safely Contain an Adult Bat
If you must intervene, follow these steps carefully:
Wear thick gloves or use a towel.
Place a ventilated container (shoebox or plastic bin) over the bat.
Slide stiff cardboard under the container to contain it.
Keep the bat warm, dark, and quiet.
Contact a licensed bat rehabilitator immediately.
Never handle a bat directly.
If You Find a Bat on the Ground Outside
A bat on the ground is never normal. It may be:
Sick or injured
Dehydrated
Too cold to fly
What to do:
Wear gloves and place the bat in a ventilated container.
Bring it indoors to a warm, quiet space.
Do not attempt to rehang or fly the bat.
Contact a rehabilitator right away.
If You Find a Bat in Your House
Finding a bat indoors is common and usually happens when bats follow insects inside.
If You Are Certain There Was No Contact
If no one was sleeping, and there was no direct contact with the bat:
Close interior doors to confine it to one room.
Open a window or exterior door.
Turn off lights and ceiling fans.
Leave the room and allow the bat to exit on its own.
If There Is ANY Chance of Contact
If the bat may have had contact with:
A sleeping person
A child
A pet
Take immediate action:
Contain the bat safely using gloves and a container.
Contact your local health department or a wildlife professional immediately.
Bat bites are tiny and may go unnoticed, making proper containment essential.
Why Bats Matter
Bats play a critical role in healthy ecosystems:
They eat thousands of insects each night, including mosquitoes.
They pollinate plants and disperse seeds.
They help control agricultural pests naturally.
Protecting bats helps protect our environment and food systems.
Next Steps: Get Help Fast
If you find an adult bat in distress, always contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Keep the bat safe, warm, and contained until help arrives. Quick, proper action gives bats the best chance to recover and return to the wild.
