For each bat brought into care there are three possible outcomes to consider. This section identifies the key questions that anyone caring for a bat should use to make this decision. The outcome will depend upon the individual rehabilitator’s ability to assess the bat in terms of these considerations.
Please note that these questions are not meant to be specific and instead should be used as a general guide to aid in the decision-making process. For detailed information please refer to the Bat Rescue Manual and BSAVA Guidelines.
1. Rehabilitation and release
This option should always be the primary goal of a rehabilitator. Bats are wild animals and should be treated with the aim of successfully releasing them back into the wild.
Successful rehabilitation and release will depend upon:
- The bat’s chance of survival in the wild following rehabilitation (see Rehab and release section),
- The ability to minimise distress caused to the animal whilst in care,
- The length of time that a bat would need to remain in care before being suitable for release,
- Adequate resources/provisions for rehabilitation,
- The process having no detrimental effect on wild populations.
2. Permanent captive
Captive bats represent an important educational tool for their wild counterparts. Many experienced bat rehabilitators will possess a small number of bats (unsuitable for release) which they will take to events and talks with the general public.
Education is the only purpose for which a bat can be kept in permanent captivity (see Legislation, licensing, equipment and expertise>Licensing).
Only bats that cannot be released should be considered for permanent captivity, and the decision to keep a bat should be made, after reviewing the following questions:
- Is there any reason why the bat cannot be released? If yes, then
- Can keeping the bat in captivity be justified?
Justification should be based upon:
- The bat’s quality of life in captivity,
- The possible use of the bat for education:
- Natural temperament,
- Species,
- Condition of bat.
- The experience and knowledge of the rehabilitator – to provide the level of care needed,
- The time and resources available for long-term care e.g. housing, food, room for exercise, company, etc.,
- The number of permanent captive bats already possessed by a rehabilitator.
3. Euthanasia
The option to euthanise a bat should be made where the welfare cost to the bat is greater than the benefit. Euthanasia should be considered at every stage of the decision-making process. Euthanising a bat in your care is often the kindest and most sensible option if:
- It is (or will be even with treatment) in considerable pain,
- It has multiple injuries/ailments,
- After treatment the bat will still have a poor quality of life.
In certain situations euthanising the bat will be the most appropriate outcome and the list below gives examples of these. This may involve diagnosis by a vet:
- If the bat cannot roost, eat and/or groom,
- If the bat is terminally ill (and in constant pain),
- If the bat has a fractured spine,
- If the bat is suffering from internal bleeding,
- If major organs are exposed, such as the abdominal viscera,
- Metabolic bone disease, with ongoing possibility of fractures,
- Major damage to larger bones in one or both wings that will prevent flight, may cause further complications and
is likely to cause considerable pain.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and the decision to euthanise a bat will always need to be made on a case-by-case basis.