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Bats are usually only encountered
by humans on summer evenings when they can be seen flying around gardens,
woodlands and parks. However, occasionally bats are found inhabiting houses or
as casualties on the ground. This is particularly common in June and July when
baby bats are born, as they sometimes fall out of the roost, and again in August
when juvenile bats begin to fly and occasionally have accidents. The general
rule is that if you find a bat it needs help as they would usually keep
themselves well out of your way!
If you find a bat that is in a safe position (i.e. not on a road or pavement, or
in another dangerous place) don't touch it but put a flowerpot or cardboard box
over it and ring the Bat Helpline (see below). If the bat is a vulnerable position you can, if you choose to and being aware of the risks (see the Bats
and rabies page), put
on a pair of thick gloves and move it to a safer position and then ring the Bat
Helpline.
The Bat Helpine is run by the Bat Conservation Trust and helps people who have
found a sick or injured bat by putting them in touch with a bat worker in their
local area.
Cresswell Associates run a helpline for English Nature which provides
help when a bat roost has been
discovered. They will usually arrange for a bat worker to contact you and
provide assistance.
Sick or injured bat - ring the Bat Conservation Trust National Bat
Helpline on 0845 1300 228
Bat roost - ring Cresswell Associates Bat Roost Helpline on 01453 764450 or
email bats@cresswell-associates.co.uk
The advice above is based
on that being given by the Staffordshire Bat Group. If you choose to handle a
bat you do so at your own risk. The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is not liable for anything that may occur as a
result of handling or being in contact with a bat.
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