It is essential to record as much information as possible about each bat; this is necessary for legislation and licensing
regulations (see Legislation, licensing, equipment and expertise section) but is also important for the continued
treatment and care of the bat as well as the eventual release.
You should record:
- Reason for taking a bat into captivity.
- This may be for observation, treatment, or to keep safe until an appropriate release time.
- Contact details of finder.
- Very often the discovery of a bat by a member of the public indicates the presence of a roost nearby. The finder will also be able to provide any additional information needed about the bat’s discovery which may help with the diagnosis and treatment of the animal.
- Signature from the finder – to show that they have passed the animal into your care.
- Details of anyone who has handled the bat – has anyone been bitten or scratched? (see Health and safety).
- Circumstances in which the bat was found.
- This may provide information that will aid in the diagnosis of the bat’s ailment. It will also be useful to gather information that could suggest an illegal activity relating to a protected species.
- Exact place where the bat was found.
- The presence of nearby bat roosts.
- Identification of species.
- Weight and forearm measurement of bat.
- Age, sex and breeding status of individual – care and treatment may vary depending on the individual being dealt with – it is particularly important to identify as soon as possible if the individual is a baby (See Baby bat section).
- Initial assessment – is there any obvious damage, bleeding, etc?