Chapter Three

INSECTIVOROUS BATS
Besides illness or injury, there are numerous reasons for bats becoming grounded. They can be confused by rapid expulsion from destroyed roosting sites in forests and buildings. Neonates may be found after falling from their mothers or nursery roosts. Stormy weather can also cause bats to become grounded.

Whenever a bat is found grounded, it is usually assumed to be rabid. In common with other mammals, bats are susceptible to infection; however, less than one-half of one percent contract rabies. Although bats are not asymptomatic carriers of the rabies virus (Constantine, 1986a), it may be present in a bat's saliva for several days before the disease becomes clinically apparent (Constantine, 1988). It is therefore necessary to exercise care when handling wild bats.

Generally, hand protection is not necessary when manipulating suckling bats, but contrary to popular opinion, even small adult bats, such as the size of Pipistrellus spp., can deliver a painful bite. For the purposes of examination, most insectivorous bats can be manipulated safely with lightweight, soft material (FIG. 12) such as a hand towel or T-shirt.

Figure 12.  Using a cloth for handling bats helps prevent bites to the handler, and injuries to the bat (photo courtesy of Gregory C. Greer, Marietta, GA).

FRUGIVOROUS AND NECTARIVOROUS BATS
All fruit- and nectar-eating bats should be handled with gloves. I prefer lightweight, oversized cotton work gloves, even when handling large flying foxes because they allow manipulation of the animal without injuring it, and the excess material protects the hands from bites. However, bats often bite onto excess glove material which can or cannot be advantageous, depending on the procedure. If it is necessary to have the bat release its grip, blow gently in its face. Alternatively, Rasweiller (1986) reported a preference for using stainless-steel mesh gloves when working with [Phyllostomus] bats.

Flying foxes may be removed from their perches by pinning their wings to the sides of their bodies. The body, including the feet, is then wrapped in a cloth to prevent the bat from tearing at its wings with its sharp claws. Rearrange the cloth to expose any part of the animal which needs to be examined.

Some microchiropterans can maneuver skillfully within small areas, easily avoiding capture. Because they require a darkened hiding area, their roost box can be closed off while they occupy it during the daylight hours, and a net placed over the opening. When the door is opened, the bats can be coaxed into it by tapping on the box. From there they are removed for procedures. As with other small chiropterans, it is important to avoid damaging their wings.

SANGUIVOROUS BATS
Because vampire bats' teeth are razor-sharp, it is advisable to wear loose-fitting gloves when handling them. They should be pliable enough to allow the handler to manipulate the bat without injuring it. Stainless-steel mesh gloves may also prove useful for manipulating these animals.

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