Expert reveals what to do if you find an injured bat in Lancashire

Finding grounded and injured bats on your travels is much more common than you might think – and one bat expert has some advice for anyone who finds themselves in the situation.

Steve Parker is a volunteer for the South Lancashire Bat Group Facebook group, a charity group which helps injured bats in southern regions of Lancashire and in Greater Manchester.

Steve is also responsible for rehabilitating bats and bringing them back to full health.

Steve Parker (Photo: Fiona Parker)

Mr Parker said: “The aim of the group is to rescue, rehabilitate and release injured and grounded bats.”

So far this year, volunteers at the group have taken in over 160 injured and grounded bats.

However, Steve noted that even this figure is “quite low” compared to the numbers last year when 395 were brought in for care – a record breaking figure for the group.

Mr Parker sites lockdown as one of the reasons for the increase in last year’s figures.

He said: “More people are finding them because they were walking more, were furloughed and had time to explore their surroundings.

“You’re not rushing around like a mad thing like we normally are in everyday life.”

A grounded bat in rehabilitation (Photo: Facebook/ South Lancashire Bat Group)

Steve also cited the weather as a key reason for grounded bats.

He added: “One year we has a massive increase in temperature and the females flew off leaving the young behind.”

According to Mr Parker, there are many physical reasons for bats to be grounded or injured.

He said: “We get some young bats who get a little bit weak and are unable to survive on their own.

“On the table in front of me are three of these which I am hand-feeding to try and build up their strength."

However, Steve notes that the most common reason is cats.

“There’s actually been some research done in the last few years which tells us that a high percentage of grounded bats have had an interaction with a cat,” Steve explained.

He continued: “Cats could have been the reason they are on the floor or they could have been attacked after there are grounded.”

What to do if you find a grounded bat

A grounded bat (Photo: Facebook/South Lancashire Facebook Group)

A bat found on the ground during the daytime is likely to be in trouble.

Sometimes it may be that the bat is just exhausted and needs a secure place to recover.

It may be injured and therefore it is best to take the animal into captivity temporarily and seek advice from the Batline.

Steve has some advice to anyone who encounters a grounded or injured bat.

He said: “First thing to do is contain them. To do this, first make sure you wear gloves. Grab a soft cloth and scoop it into a secure box.

“Add a small lid of water into the box and leave the cloth in there as they like to hide in the cloth.

“Then get in contact with us.”

Steve recommends calling the Bat Conservation Trust on: 03451300228.

You can find out more about the Bat Conversation Trust at the following website: www.bats.org.uk.

Alternatively, you can keep up-to-date with the South Lancashire Bat Group over on their Facebook page.

You can also donate to the charity by visiting their website.