Wildlife Rescue FAQ:

How are bats commonly injured/orphaned, what should I be looking for?

Megabats of all species come to grief on barbed wire fences, with netting and powerlines, keep an eye out when driving around as they may still be alive or have babies with them. Other unfortunate ways bats get hurt is by being hit by a car or attacked by cats and dogs.
Microbats are more likely to come into the house and fail to find their way out again, usually hitting ceiling fans. At the later stage of baby season, a lot of young microbats fly out for the first time and manage to get into all sorts of bother.

What about Paralysis Tick?

Paralysis Tick is one of the biggest problems in tropical north Queensland, as bats have near to no resistance to the toxin injected by the tick.
Tick bats will usually be hanging low in the tree or on the ground, often with babies. Unfortunatly, many bats don't survive after being bitten but the orphan can still be saved.

What should I do if I find an injured or orphaned bat?

Don't touch it! You must be vaccinated to handle bats, although diseases are rare in bats, do not approach it just in case. Best thing to do is to keep an eye on it, call FNQ Wildlife Rescue and give them as much information as possible so they can arrange for it to be collected and brought to us or another experienced carer.

What about other native wildlife?

With any wildlife, being sick, injured or orphaned is very stressful. Best thing to do with orphans is to keep the animal Warm, Dark and Quiet. Do not feed it.
The same goes for adult animals, call wildlife rescue.
With all wildlife, relieving stress is vital.

Should I give first-aid or give it something to eat?

Bats can give a nasty bite when stressed, even if vaccinated, it is best to let an experienced rescuer handle the animal. Do not attempt to give first aid unless under instructions from someone experienced.
Treating wildlife like a domestic animal by trying to comfort it and talk to it will cause unncessecary stress. Do no feed it! Native wildlife and bats have specific dietry needs, and the wrong foods can cause illness or death.

I've hit an animal with my car, what do I do?

If the animal is still alive, call FNQ Wildlife Rescue or if you have something appropriate to transport it in, depending on the size and species, take it to the nearest vet. If the animal has unfortunatly died, check for a pouch, as a lot of native wildlife are marsupials, young joeys in the pouch will be protected from the force of the car by their mothers body and so survive. If there is a joey, wrap it up in a towel or jumper and take it to the nearest vet to have it taken to the nearest carer.

I've checked the pouch and theres a joey, what should I do?

If the joey is unfurred, it will need to be wrapped up and kept at a steady temperature, ideally, put the wrapped up joey into your shirt and hold against your chest. Your heartbeat and warmth will keep it calm until you can get it to a carer.
Resist the urge to cuddle it, talk to it, keep it! Yes they are cute but they need serious 24hour care.
If the joey has fur, depending on the size and species, holding it in your shirt again can keep it calm, otherwise put it into a box or hold it securely until you can pass it on.

It is illegal to keep any native wildlife without a permit, any animals you find need to be passed onto registered carers.

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