BAT PUPS
We have had several calls already today from kind members of the public who
have found a bat pup. It’s an extremely busy time for our volunteers with
calls coming in from across the country 24 hours a day – hot weather, cats
and roost disturbance are the usual reasons behind grounded or injured
bats.
You will know it’s a pup by their tiny size and they have no fur. Mum will
be bigger and will have fur.
If you find a baby bat during the day please:
– Wear gloves and put pup in a secure box with lid and soft bedding such as
a tea towel
– If possible put a hot water bottle under the box to keep it warm and keep
box somewhere quiet
– At sunset go outside where you found the pup and see if you can see bats
emerging from the building or tree
– If there are bats around bring the box outside put it somewhere secure
away from cats and open the lid (keep hot water bottle underneath to keep
him warm)
– Keep watch from a distance if mum comes to collect the pup – you will
likely see the bats swoop down to the pup
– If mum doesnt show and the pup is still there after an hour bring it
inside and contact us using our online query form at www.bats-ni.org.uk
under the casualties tab
– A volunteer near you will help track the roost and hopefully find mum or
will bring the pup to an experienced carer
– The pups best chance will always be with mum so every effort should be
made to reunite them.
Unfortunately for this wee pup, mum was found dead beside him 😢 Victims of
yet another cat attack. This pup is now under constant care from our NW
carer Karen (no more sleep for her over next few weeks! 🙃) Thanks so much
to Julie the finder and Dee our bat ambulance driver for rescuing ❤
If you own a cat🐱 please try keep it indoors as much as possible at this
time of year. Or wait until at least an hour after sunset before letting it
outside to give bats a chance to emerge from the roost safely 🦇 #LoveBats
#Bats
