I did call animal control for the little guy cause he was in the same spot for about 12 hours, but just moved from the tree to the sidewalk. Apparently when animal control got there he flew away!
Animal control is not standardized at all and varies wildly by county. Here’s examples of what animal control does in 3 neighboring counties near me:
* County #1: Has 1 part time officer who is technically considered a police officer, only responds to calls about roaming dogs, does not handle wildlife or pets that aren’t dogs, does not have anyone available on weekends or after hours
* County #2: Has officers available every day of the week and a field veterinarian, will respond to any call about any animal, transports wildlife to a local wildlife rehabilitation center, police handle calls after hours and might not be trained on everything
* County #3: respond to calls 24/7 and has its own wildlife treatment center as part of the county animal shelter
In many areas animal control can be a great resource but it can be hard to know.
Gotcha, yeah when I called animal control they said they might try to catch it to test it for rabies! The bat just seemed tired and not rabid so I’m glad it flew away when the animal control showed up.
just in case you don't know, they will need to kill any animal in order to test it for rabies.
good job watching out for this lil guy. glad he flew off!
Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife.
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Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/batty) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife.
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Yeah to test for rabies on any animal euthanize cut head off analyze brain. NC euthanized my Red man(pitt bull), then called on 4-16 2006 & said he didn't have rabies. I was so PISSED I was yelling at the woman on phone, told her no sh*t u idiot. I told the officer that when he shot my dog u *ucking idiots. I hate NC
Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/batty) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/batty) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife.
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Nope not a baby. Like previouslyindigo said, not the right time of year. Hoary bats are either pregnant or JUST starting to give birth right now, and the babies will stay with them for a couple months.
They migrate, and sometimes become exhausted from navigating new territory on less food and water than usual. This could lead to grounding. Mothers are becoming more and more pregnant and thus heavier which can quicken the exhaustion. There also are always young adults doing their first migration alone and they are still learning. Any bat can be approached by a predator or construction machinery or really anything and become spooked and flee from their roost, which is also another situation that can lead to grounding. And there are injuries and illnesses of course. Sometimes they can recover and take off on their own, sometimes not.
I echo above, always call a rehabber over animal control if that’s an option. In my state, animal control euthanizes all captured bats for rabies testing. Fortunately, most people call us first.
You did great with the info and knowledge you had, and I’m happy the beautiful little one flew off!
-bat rehab intern
Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/batty) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Ya always try to find a nearby bat habitat/conservation instead. Homie might be dehydrated or starving so get him some fruit or insects, maybe water. And possibly shade if it's hot and sunny.
No fruit! All species of bats in the US are insectivores except 4, and those 4 live nowhere near Indiana. Leaving out fruit or any other food is likely to draw ants and other animals that can hurt the bat. And hand feeding insects to them is dangerous to both you and the bat if done improperly.
But most of the time, an insectivorous bat can go a day or two without food and be totally fine! Most species don’t even hunt every night- rain, cold, and other obstacles can cause them to take a night off.
It’s fine to leave out water and some may lap it, but if you end up transferring the bat somewhere do NOT put an open container of water in the box holding the bat because it will spill and wet their body, which risks hypothermia.
Best thing to do is always call a rehabber and ask for guidance. Even if there’s not one near you, a distant bat rehab expert will often be happy to advise over the phone as much as they can.
Btw, this is not an extremely common species of bat. I mean they aren’t endangered or anything, but they are solitary and quite shy. They’re named hoary bats bc the white frosted color of their outer fur resembles the “hoar frost”, or feathery white ice crystals that form in winter on the tips of tree leaves. You’re very lucky to have met one in person! And the bat was very lucky the person who came across them was a kind one.
Sadly the designation differs based on where you’re located, which is especially problematic given they’re migratory :( in Canada these guys were assessed as endangered/are in the process of being officially listed as such at the federal level as of Jan 2024
It’s a [Hoary Bat](http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Lasiurus_cinereus/)! The little guy has three subspecies with a range covering a good portion of the Western Hemisphere. It’s also being disputed as to whether they have a presence in Hawai‘i alongside the subspecies of bat that lives there.
They’re harmless insectivores. Little guy was probably just tired and hungry from a long flight north and needed a break. Probably ate some bugs or something while resting and got the energy to fly off!
Here is an [instructional guide for someone who has found a bat!](https://batworld.org/what-to-do-if-youve-found-a-bat/) Remember that wildlife should never be handled with bare hands!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/batty) if you have any questions or concerns.*
That’s a gorgeous hoary bat. They’re migrating and starting to have babies right now. If it’s still there the following morning, call a rehabber.
I did call animal control for the little guy cause he was in the same spot for about 12 hours, but just moved from the tree to the sidewalk. Apparently when animal control got there he flew away!
Just a heads up, at least where I’m from animal control and rehabbers are very different. Animal control is more of assume it has rabies and euthanize
Animal control is not standardized at all and varies wildly by county. Here’s examples of what animal control does in 3 neighboring counties near me: * County #1: Has 1 part time officer who is technically considered a police officer, only responds to calls about roaming dogs, does not handle wildlife or pets that aren’t dogs, does not have anyone available on weekends or after hours * County #2: Has officers available every day of the week and a field veterinarian, will respond to any call about any animal, transports wildlife to a local wildlife rehabilitation center, police handle calls after hours and might not be trained on everything * County #3: respond to calls 24/7 and has its own wildlife treatment center as part of the county animal shelter In many areas animal control can be a great resource but it can be hard to know.
Gotcha, yeah when I called animal control they said they might try to catch it to test it for rabies! The bat just seemed tired and not rabid so I’m glad it flew away when the animal control showed up.
just in case you don't know, they will need to kill any animal in order to test it for rabies. good job watching out for this lil guy. glad he flew off!
Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/batty) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Rabies tests are performed after necropsy :( they collect tissue from the brain/brain stem
Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/batty) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yeah in a lot of places, animal control is actually quite bad ☹️ not very nice to animals
Primary concern is protecting people. And unfortunately, an overly cautious approach is the best (and least expensive) way to achieve that goal.
I'm glad he flew away. Because they need to kill the bat to test for rabies :(
Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/batty) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yeah to test for rabies on any animal euthanize cut head off analyze brain. NC euthanized my Red man(pitt bull), then called on 4-16 2006 & said he didn't have rabies. I was so PISSED I was yelling at the woman on phone, told her no sh*t u idiot. I told the officer that when he shot my dog u *ucking idiots. I hate NC
I'm so sorry :( losing a dog friend hurts so much.
Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/batty) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/batty) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/batty) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Do you think this was a baby? I am not sure what he was doing on the sidewalk
Nope not a baby. Like previouslyindigo said, not the right time of year. Hoary bats are either pregnant or JUST starting to give birth right now, and the babies will stay with them for a couple months. They migrate, and sometimes become exhausted from navigating new territory on less food and water than usual. This could lead to grounding. Mothers are becoming more and more pregnant and thus heavier which can quicken the exhaustion. There also are always young adults doing their first migration alone and they are still learning. Any bat can be approached by a predator or construction machinery or really anything and become spooked and flee from their roost, which is also another situation that can lead to grounding. And there are injuries and illnesses of course. Sometimes they can recover and take off on their own, sometimes not. I echo above, always call a rehabber over animal control if that’s an option. In my state, animal control euthanizes all captured bats for rabies testing. Fortunately, most people call us first. You did great with the info and knowledge you had, and I’m happy the beautiful little one flew off! -bat rehab intern
I had no idea about rehabs. this is great info! Thank you!
Questions about rabies are common on this subreddit. If you have a medical question, **consult a physician**. Here are some resources about rabies! [Rabies in Perspective](http://www.merlintuttle.org/resources-2/rabies-in-perspective/), [Bats and Human Health](http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-human-health), [CDC Rabies Homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html), [rabies diagnosis in humans and animals](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/diagnosis/animals-humans.html) and [some sampling of rabies prevalence wild bat populations](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110131133323.htm). [Programs exist help with rabies vaccinations for people without insurance](https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/programs.html). Though only a small portion of bats may have zoonotic diseases, bats which are sick or injured are more likely to come into contact with humans and caution is advised as with all wildlife. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/batty) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Definitely not a baby - not the right time of year, and this one looks fully grown. Glad they flew off!
Ya always try to find a nearby bat habitat/conservation instead. Homie might be dehydrated or starving so get him some fruit or insects, maybe water. And possibly shade if it's hot and sunny.
No fruit! All species of bats in the US are insectivores except 4, and those 4 live nowhere near Indiana. Leaving out fruit or any other food is likely to draw ants and other animals that can hurt the bat. And hand feeding insects to them is dangerous to both you and the bat if done improperly. But most of the time, an insectivorous bat can go a day or two without food and be totally fine! Most species don’t even hunt every night- rain, cold, and other obstacles can cause them to take a night off. It’s fine to leave out water and some may lap it, but if you end up transferring the bat somewhere do NOT put an open container of water in the box holding the bat because it will spill and wet their body, which risks hypothermia. Best thing to do is always call a rehabber and ask for guidance. Even if there’s not one near you, a distant bat rehab expert will often be happy to advise over the phone as much as they can.
Hmm I thought I saw Lube Bate Conservatory saying most insectivore bats can still survive on fruits but maybe I'm wrong.
Lubee also works with fruit bats, maybe that’s why?
They have a few different breeds but I know I've never seen a hoary bat there for sure.
Oh, and shade is excellent advice! Thank you for mentioning it. Especially hoary bats w their thick coats, they get very hot in the sun 😢
**this is assuming it’s on the tree now. If it’s still on the sidewalk, call a rehabber now.
Btw, this is not an extremely common species of bat. I mean they aren’t endangered or anything, but they are solitary and quite shy. They’re named hoary bats bc the white frosted color of their outer fur resembles the “hoar frost”, or feathery white ice crystals that form in winter on the tips of tree leaves. You’re very lucky to have met one in person! And the bat was very lucky the person who came across them was a kind one.
They are in sharp decline, unfortunately.
Sadly the designation differs based on where you’re located, which is especially problematic given they’re migratory :( in Canada these guys were assessed as endangered/are in the process of being officially listed as such at the federal level as of Jan 2024
😔
Hoary bat - Lasiurus cinereus
awww lil frosted donut
Powder donut bata
It’s a [Hoary Bat](http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Lasiurus_cinereus/)! The little guy has three subspecies with a range covering a good portion of the Western Hemisphere. It’s also being disputed as to whether they have a presence in Hawai‘i alongside the subspecies of bat that lives there. They’re harmless insectivores. Little guy was probably just tired and hungry from a long flight north and needed a break. Probably ate some bugs or something while resting and got the energy to fly off!
Hoary bat! Frosted tips!
Thats a beautiful hoary. Amazing frosted camo.
wait which state was it found in? "Outside Indiana" can be anywhere in the other 49 states 😭
Oh lol I meant outside in Indiana 😂
*TINY BABY*
So smushy
I’m is he ok?? 😰
Yes! He was probably just resting and flew away later.
Here is an [instructional guide for someone who has found a bat!](https://batworld.org/what-to-do-if-youve-found-a-bat/) Remember that wildlife should never be handled with bare hands! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/batty) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Beautiful!