Release the Bats

Photo from the BCT

Out in the garden this afternoon I found a bat which had fallen into a bucket of water, and was desperately trying to get out. Goodness knows how long he had been there, bearing in mind they are a nocturnal species, but I got him out and he was obviously exhausted, sat panting on the ground for a while. Have left him to dry out a bit, but bats are protected species (and I'm a big softie at heart) so I may have to get something done to help him. There is a national "bat phone" (the Bat Conservation Trust) for information, so I'll add more details once I know more.

Update 1: As he was on the ground, it was necessary to move him in case a cat got hold of him. It's normally illegal to handle bats, but not if it's a matter of saving it. Took advice from the BCT web site. So he's now sitting in a little house, on a glove, on top of our pergola (height needed for flying). He has a rag (for snuggling into) and a dish of water. It's raining, so he won't want to fly away yet (especially as he is still very bedraggled).

Update 2: Billy, as he came to be known, stayed the night in his comfy little home, and was still there next morning, all fluffed up and lively. It was still lashing rain in the morning, but once it cleared up and dried out he flew away. Good luck, Billy!