For bat rescues on the Isle of Wight contact the Isle of Wight Bat Hospital on 01983 406756 or mobile 07771 605952.

For mainland bat emergencies and you unable to find their nearest bat group you can also contact the Isle of Wight Bat Hospital on 01983 406756 or mobile 07771 605952 and they will put you in touch with your nearest bat group contact. It is important that a bat is rescued as soon as possible as this gives the bat a better chance of survival.

A bat may need your help if it is found inside or outside your home, and does not fly away when approached. 

The bat may just be tired and need some time to regain its strength. Or, a small animal, such as a cat, may have injured it. If this is the case, the bat needs URGENT help. A cat’s claw may cause bacterial infections for the bat; if this is the case, then it will need antibiotics ASAP. Bats have good recovery records with respects to minor injuries, such as small incisions, rips and tears, but they need help and assistance FAST.

There are a few simple steps that you can take to help a bat that you have found;

First, make the bat secure either by gently picking the bat up and placing it on a piece of kitchen tissue paper and then put into a small container (a shoe box or clean ice cream cartoon are ideal) or if the bat is on flat surface and you do not want to handle it cover the bat with a small container as previously mentioned. Always wear gloves to handle bats.

In both cases make sure there are small holes in the container to allow the bat to breathe. If you are able to give the bat a little water do so by using a pipette or clean child's paintbrush.  Alternatively a very shallow dish such as a plastic milk bottle lid can be placed into the bottom of the container you have placed the bat in. Once the bat is secure and no harm can come to it, contact you're nearest bat group for help.

Baby bats are found in June, July or early August, and will have little or no fur. It is important to help baby bats quickly as they will need to be returned to the roost and their mother. If you have found a baby bat you should follow the steps above, however do not offer it water in a shallow dish; if possible, offer it water on the end of a small paint brush. It is vital that the bat is kept warm, so place the whole box on top of a hot-water bottle. However, do NOT let the hot-water bottle come into direct contact with the animal.

For bat rescues on the Isle of Wight contact the Isle of Wight Bat Hospital on 01983 406756 or mobile 07771 605952.

Is there a bat flying in your house?

First of all, do NOT attempt to catch it…as you are likely to do it more harm than good…and you may receive a bite or two!

If it is night-time, then open doors and windows, turning off all lights in house.  The bat should leave through these exits.  If it is day time, then the bat is likely to need help, so please call the Isle of Wight Bat Hospital for assistance.