How We Rescue Bats Around Cairns.
Bats are vital members of our ecosystem, but sometimes they face unexpected challenges. Whether it’s from injury, extreme weather, or human interference, bats in Cairns need a helping hand — and that’s where the Bats and Trees Society of Cairns comes in! Here’s how we work to rescue and protect these amazing creatures:
🦇 Emergency Bat Rescue
Bats can face numerous dangers, such as:
- Heat stress: Particularly in the summer, bats are at risk of heat exhaustion. When temperatures soar, bats, especially young pups, can suffer from heatstroke. We respond quickly to these emergencies by providing cooling, rehydration, and sometimes even intensive care to get them back to health.
- Injuries: Bats may get injured due to entanglement in fruit netting, barbed wire, or power lines. Our team is trained to safely capture and treat injured bats, ensuring they receive the medical care they need.
- Orphaned Pups: Sometimes, pups are separated from their mothers due to storms, heat events, or other factors. Our dedicated volunteers step in to care for these young bats, providing specialized feeding and rehabilitation until they are ready to be released.
🦇 Rescue Teams and Volunteers
Our bat rescue team consists of passionate volunteers who are trained in safe bat handling and first aid. When a bat is found in need of help, whether it’s injured, sick, or stranded, we spring into action. We receive calls and emails from the community to rescue bats in distress, and our team is always ready to respond swiftly.
🔧 Our Facilities
Once a bat is rescued, it’s taken to one of our rehabilitation facilities. Here, we assess the bat’s health, treat injuries, and provide the necessary care to ensure it is fit for release. We also provide temporary housing for bats who need a bit more time to recover, with expert monitoring and care.
🦇 Working with the Community
Our community is key to successful bat rescues. We rely on people like you to report sightings of bats in distress. If you come across a bat that needs help, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Never try to handle a bat without proper training — bats can carry diseases such as Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL), so it’s essential to get in touch with professionals.
💚 How You Can Help
- If you find a bat in distress, call us immediately! The quicker we respond, the better chance the bat has for recovery.
- Volunteer: Join our rescue team and help us provide care to injured and orphaned bats.
- Donate: We rely on donations to fund our bat rescue efforts. Your support helps us provide vital medical care and rehabilitation for bats in need.
📞 Contact Us
If you have found a bat in trouble and need someone to rescue it please call Wildlife Carers FNQ on 07 4281 6869 Do not touch the bat. A vaccinated and trained rescuer will attend to the bat. We are always here to help, and with your support, we can ensure that Cairns remains a safe haven for bats!