How to help bats

We Love Bats

But there are some important things to keep in mind:

Do not handle bats with bare hands and do not attempt to care for bats on your own. This jeopardizes your safety as well as the life of the bat.
Tennessee may euthanize a bat touched with bare hands.
If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, seek medical attention immediately. If a domestic pet has an encounter with a bat, bring the pet to a veterinarian immediately, even if the animal is already vaccinated for rabies. If possible, contain the bat so it can be tested for rabies.

You cannot contract rabies from contact with bat guano (poop), blood, urine, or from touching a bat on its fur.

Close all interior doors to the room. This contains the bat in an area.
Open all windows and exterior doors to the room. This provides an exit for the bat.
Turn off all lights in the room. This may encourage the bat to leave because it may see light outside and and fly toward it.
Leave the room and close the door behind you. Give the bat time to leave on its own.
Check the room after a few hours to see if the bat has left. If the bat is still there, you may need to call a wildlife professional for assistance.

Do not touch the bat with your bare hands. Bats can carry rabies, so it is important to avoid direct contact.
Wear thick gloves and gently place the bat in a small box or container with air holes.
If possible, quickly photograph the animal.
Place the box in a quiet, warm, dark place until you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. There are four Tennessee rehabs licensed to care for bats, including Harmony Wildlife. Send a photo of the animal when you contact them.

Do not touch the bat with your bare hands. Bats can carry rabies, so it is important to avoid direct contact.
Wear thick gloves and gently place the bat in a small box or container with air holes.
If possible, quickly photograph the animal.
Place the box in a quiet, warm, dark place until you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. There are four Tennessee rehabs licensed to care for bats, including Harmony Wildlife. Send a photo of the animal when you contact them.

Leave the bat alone. Bats are important members of the ecosystem and play a vital role in controlling insect populations.