Bats and Rabies
You cannot contract rabies from bat guano; nor can you contract rabies simply from being in the same room with a bat (aerosolized transmission). If you find a bat in your home and you are certain that there has been no physical contact (a bite or scratch) you do not need post-exposure rabies vaccine.
If the bat is found in a room with a person who cannot reliably rule out direct contact (eg, a sleeping person, a child, or mentally disabled person) the bat should be tested for rabies.
What should I do if I find and injured or non-injured bat?
A Bat found on the ground, or caught by a cat or dog should be brought to a Wildlife Rehabilitator immediately. Scoop up the bat using heavy gloves or a towel, and place him in a closed box. Provide a cloth for the bat to hide in.
Never touch a Bat or any Wild Animal with your bare hands!
A Bat found flying in the house (usually in late summer) is most likely a juvenile bat which simply got lost. You can help him exit by closing the door to the room he is in, and opening all the windows (don’t forget to remove the window screens). The bat will become active at dusk and find his way out.
If the bat has landed, you may capture him using a towel or heavy gloves, or place a small cardboard box or coffee can over the bat and slip a piece of cardboard beneath him. Release the bat outside at dusk. Place him high up on a tree trunk as it is difficult for a bat to take off from the ground. (This will also keep predators away from him until he becomes active).
***Watch to make sure that the bat is capable of flight***
If the bat cannot fly contain the bat using the previously described methods and bring the container with the bat inside to a moderately temperature environment.
Call a Wildlife Rehabilitator immediately.
A bat found in the house during the winter months (here in the Northeast) has been aroused from hibernation. Do not release the bat outside. Contain the bat and call a Wildlife Rehabilitator. Keep the container with the bat inside in a moderately temperature environment until it can be turned over to the Wildlife Rehabilitator. The bats condition will be assessed by the wildlife rehabilitator, and possibly hold him over the winter for a spring release.
