I was recently called out to Mottram St Andrew Primary Academy in Macclesfield to rehome a grounded bat found by the school children during their break (initially thought to be a tarantula by the children!).
As per the Bat Conservation Trust guidelines (see below) the bat was safely placed in a box until I arrived:
1. Contain the bat:
a) Like a spider, by placing a box on top of it and sliding a piece of card underneath.
b) Alternatively, cover the bat with a cloth/tea towel and carefully scoop it up and place it in the box.
2. Put a tea towel or soft cloth in the box for the bat to hide in.
3. Put in a small, shallow container e.g. a plastic milk bottle top with a few drops of water (not enough for the bat to drown in). Make sure the water is topped up regularly.
4. Keep the bat indoors somewhere quiet and dark
After inspecting the bat (Myotis sp) to check that it was fit and healthy, it was placed inside a bat box that I hung on a suitable tree within the school grounds.
If you find a bat please follow the above guidelines and contact us on 01565 757788. Further information is available on the BCT website.
Kathryn
UES Senior Ecologist