The Bat Saga

Dear Reader

     The TDM has found out how dedicated people save the lives of wild animals every day. The day before yesterday the TDM found a tiny bat under a ground floor window ledge in our house.  Here is a video we prepared but were unable to post:

     (We still need help identifying the bat)

      At the time that that video was filmed we suspected that the bat was lost and would fly away in the evening.  However, it was found later by two members of the TDM on the ground outside our front-door as dusk fell. It was trying to fly but it could not because it was so weak.

     Another member of TDM sought advice from the Bat Conservation Trust website about how to care for a bat.  (Remember, by the way, to always use thick gloves when handling bats as a small number carry rabies.) It was carefully placed in a PG Tips box (without being touched directly) which contained water (in a small jar lid), grass and a piece of cloth for warmth.   Later in the evening it was suspected to have died (having clearly tried to drink some of the water) but the curator of the TDM did not believe that was so. After watching the bat for a long time, he saw it move.  It was alive!

     It was left in a box overnight and was yet again suspected dead again in the morning.  But the curator yet again watched it until it moved. We contacted the Bat Conservation Trust and they quickly told us how to care for it and told us of the nearest place that would look after a bat! This was quite near (only a twenty minute drive away) and was called Wildlife Aid.

     We took the bat there where it was seen to as soon as we arrived.  It was still alive and started getting better as soon as it was fed! If these people did not give up their time for British wildlife this Bat and no doubt countless other wild animals would have never survived. So a big" thank you" to all those people who do give up their time for this cause.

     So, if you ever find an injured or sick animal don't panic. There are people there to help you!

The TDM Team