Found a bat in distress?
If you find a bat that appears injured, sick, or orphaned, please contact a licensed wildlife carer or rescue service immediately. Do not attempt to handle the bat yourself unless you have been trained and vaccinated.
WIRES Rescue Line: 1300 094 535
Available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
What to do if you find a bat
- Do not touch the bat with bare hands
- Keep children and pets away from the animal
- Call WIRES (1300 094 535) or your local wildlife rescue organisation
- If the bat is on a powerline or fence, note the location and wait for a trained rescuer
- Keep the area around the bat quiet and calm while waiting for help
Bat rescue and rehabilitation
Bat carers in the Sydney region rehabilitate injured and orphaned flying-foxes and microbats with the goal of releasing healthy animals back into the wild. This work is done by trained volunteers who have been vaccinated against Australian Bat Lyssavirus.
KBCS supports the work of bat carers in the Sydney region. If you are interested in becoming a bat carer, contact us for information about training requirements.
Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV)
ABLV is a rare but serious disease that can be transmitted from bats to humans through bites or scratches. The risk is low, but anyone who has been in contact with a bat should seek medical advice, especially if there is any possibility of a bite or scratch.
All bat carers in Australia are required to be vaccinated against ABLV. Do not handle bats unless you are vaccinated and trained.
Contact WIRES or your local wildlife organisation to learn about training and vaccination requirements for bat carers. KBCS can also provide guidance — contact us here →