Do not attempt to touch an injured or ill flying-fox. Bats should only
be handled by trained, vaccinated rescuers. Call one of the services in the panel and
keep people and pets away until they arrive.
Who to call in Sydney
If you cannot reach either, your local council can often direct you to a wildlife rescue group.
What to do until help arrives
- If the bat is on the ground, cover it with a box, washing basket or similar
- If the bat is low in a tree, do not touch or disturb it
- If the bat is tangled in netting, do not try to free it — disturbing it distresses the animal and tangles it further
- Keep children and pets well away until the rescue is complete
Banded flying-foxes
Rehabilitated and orphaned flying-foxes are banded with a metal ring on the thumb (the finger separate from the wing) before release. Without touching the bat, check whether it is banded:
- If the animal is alive, tell the rescue organisation that it is banded.
- If the animal is dead, ideally the band and body should be collected. If no one can collect it, note the band number, the place and the date found, and report it to the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme before safely disposing of the body.
Can I keep a flying-fox as a pet?
No. It is illegal and unsafe. To care for one you must hold a licence from NPWS, belong to a licensed wildlife care group, be immunised, and be trained in the care of flying-foxes.