Encountering a bat can be an unexpected event. Whether it is found inside a home or outdoors, the primary concern is determining if the bat is deceased, injured, or simply resting. Correct identification is important for personal safety and appropriate actions to take. This guide offers insights into recognizing a dead bat and distinguishing it from a live one, along with steps for responsible handling.
Key Indicators of a Deceased Bat
Observing specific physical characteristics helps determine if a bat is deceased. A bat that is no longer living will show an absence of movement, with no visible breathing, twitching, or response when gently approached. The body of a dead bat often stiffens shortly after death, a state known as rigor mortis, resulting in stiff limbs or a contorted body position.
The position of the bat can also offer clues; dead bats might be found lying on their back or stretched out, positions not typical for a resting or sleeping bat. While bats can hang upside down even after death due to specialized tendons that lock their toes, a bat found on the ground in an unnatural pose is likely deceased. Another indicator of death is the complete absence of sounds. Live bats might produce soft chirps or squeaks, but a dead bat will be silent. If a bat has been deceased for a longer period, signs of physical deterioration or a noticeable odor may become apparent.
Distinguishing from Live or Injured Bats
A still bat can be mistaken for a dead one, as bats can enter states of reduced activity that mimic death. Subtle movements are a primary way to differentiate a living bat from a deceased one. Even in a deep state of rest or torpor, a live bat may show slight breathing, ear twitching, or even eye movement. These small actions indicate that the bat is alive, even if it appears unresponsive.
Vocalizations, even faint ones, can also signal life. A bat that emits soft chirps or squeaks, particularly if approached, is alive. Finding a bat during daylight hours can suggest it is alive but possibly injured, disoriented, or sick. A distressed bat might exhibit shivering, drooping wings, or an inability to fly, all signs it is alive but in need of assistance.
Bats can enter a dormant state called torpor, where their body temperature and heart rate significantly drop, making them appear lifeless. During torpor, bats are still breathing, albeit as infrequently as once a minute, and they may awaken periodically or if disturbed by temperature changes.
Important Considerations and Next Steps
When encountering any bat, regardless of its apparent condition, avoid direct physical contact with bare hands. Bats can carry rabies, and while the risk from a dead bat is low, the virus can persist in tissues, especially in cooler conditions. Rabies is primarily transmitted through bites or contact with saliva entering open wounds or mucous membranes. Therefore, maintaining a safe distance is always recommended.
If a bat is found deceased, or appears alive but exhibits unusual behavior (e.g., active during the day or unable to fly), contacting local authorities is the appropriate next step. Wildlife agencies, animal control, or public health departments can provide guidance and assist with safe removal or testing, especially for rabies or conditions like White-nose Syndrome. If advised by authorities to dispose of a dead bat yourself, wear thick gloves and use tools like a shovel or an inverted plastic bag to avoid direct contact. The bat should then be double-bagged, sealed, and placed in the trash, followed by thorough handwashing and disinfection of any tools used.