Bat Rescue

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING:

COVID-19 AND BATS OF VIRGINIA

As of May 5, 2021, All species of bats may be rehabilitated as per the director of the Virginia Department Wildlife Resources (VDWR)

• Previously, rehabilitation of bats was suspended out of an abundance of caution and concern that humans with COVID-19 might pass it to our native bats and further threaten fragile bat populations.
• Research has demonstrated that big brown bats cannot contract COVID-19 or pass it to other bats or back to humans. To date, research on other species is limited if being performed at all. Science suggests North American species are extremely low risk for contracting or harboring COVID-19, but we do not have definitive proof, yet.
• There are tests to determine if bats are shedding coronaviruses, and we are enrolled in a research project through Tufts University. None of our bats in rehabilitation have had a positive test.

If you have found a bat:

• Avoid touching any bats for any reason if you are infected with COVID-19 or have been potentially exposed to the virus.
• If you are not known to be infected with or exposed to COVID-19, only move bats if you can do so without coming into direct contact with the bat — wear sturdy gloves and use a cloth or large plastic cooking spoon to gently move bats. Be aware that any contact with the saliva or brain or spinal cord tissue of the bat constitutes a potential rabies exposure and must be reported to your county health department.
• Minimize any contact with wild animals. Once the animal is secure and ready for transport to a rehabilitator, hands off! Put the box in a secure location, like an unused guest bathroom or storage closet and leave it alone until ready to transport or help arrives.
• Before securing the animal take a clear photograph of the animal and its surroundings/location. This helps a rehabilitator assess if the animal is in immediate danger or if it may not need rescue at all.