When finding a grounded or disoriented bat, a common concern is whether the animal poses a threat, especially when its small size suggests it might be a vulnerable infant. Bats are common wildlife across the United States, yet they are often misunderstood. It is important to approach any bat encounter with caution, recognizing that the primary risk is not tied to the bat’s age but to its potential for carrying disease. Understanding this risk and how to react correctly is the best defense against potential harm.
Identifying Bat Pups vs. Small Adults
A small bat found on the ground is not necessarily a pup, as many adult bat species are naturally quite diminutive. For instance, some common North American bats weigh only a few grams when fully grown. A true bat pup, typically born between late May and early July, is distinguished by its appearance rather than size alone. Newborns are often hairless or possess only fine, sparse fur and may be grounded because they are not yet capable of flight.
Pups rely entirely on their mothers for about a month before they begin practice flights. A small adult bat will be fully furred, have proportional wings relative to its body, and may be grounded because it is injured or ill. Regardless of the bat’s age, the same safety precautions must be followed. Any grounded bat should be treated as a potential health hazard, making visual identification less important than safety protocol.
The Primary Danger: Rabies Risk
The most significant danger associated with any bat, including a pup, is the transmission of the rabies virus. Bats are the source of most human rabies cases in the United States, and this risk does not diminish with the animal’s age. A bat pup can contract and transmit the virus just like an adult, and may be more likely to be found grounded or in distress if infected. Since rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, preventative action is necessary.
Transmission occurs through a bite or scratch, or when the bat’s saliva contacts an open wound or mucous membranes like the eyes or mouth. The small, needle-like teeth of a bat, particularly a pup, may leave a bite mark that is nearly invisible or feels like a minor pinprick. This imperceptible bite is one of the greatest concerns, often leading to unrecognized exposure, especially if the bat is found near a sleeping person, a small child, or someone who cannot reliably report contact.
Health officials recommend testing the animal whenever contact is suspected, even without a clear wound. A bat that is easily captured, found during the day, or unable to fly is exhibiting behavior consistent with a neurological illness like rabies. While only a small percentage of bats carry the virus, the severity of the disease means that any exposure must be taken seriously and immediately addressed.
Immediate Safety Protocol for Encounters
If a bat is found inside a home or in a situation where contact with a person or pet is possible, the immediate safety protocol is to secure the animal for testing without direct contact. Never attempt to handle a bat with bare hands. Instead, use thick leather work gloves and a container, such as a coffee can or a box, to contain it. Wait for the bat to land, place the container over it, and slide a piece of cardboard underneath to trap it safely inside.
Once the bat is contained, the next step is to call local public health authorities or animal control immediately for guidance. They will arrange for the bat to be safely collected and submitted for rabies testing, which is the only way to determine if exposure occurred. If the bat cannot be safely captured, or if the test result is positive, medical professionals will recommend a course of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This treatment involves a series of vaccinations and is nearly 100% effective in preventing rabies if administered promptly after exposure.