Bats

Bats can be divided into megabats and microbats.

Microbats or insect bats are small insect eating bats with a wingspan of only 25cm. They often use
echolocation to =nd their way around and roost in colonies in caves or in trees. There are several
species found in Queensland.

Megabats are also known as @ying foxes or fruit bats and have a wind span of up to 1 metre. There are
four species of @ying foxes native to mainland Australia: black, grey-headed, little red and spectacled
@ying foxes. They are fruit-eating @ying mammals which live in large colonies or camps, sometimes in
close proximity to people.

If @ying fox camps establish near human habitation, they can generate both noise and smell, and be
seen as unwanted. The @ying foxes are put at risk of being hit by cars, being electrocuted by power
lines and entangled in fruit tree netting and barbed wire.

However, @ying foxes play an important ecological role in dispersing the pollen and fruit of many native
trees. They can sometimes @y up to 100km in a night. Unfortunately, @ying foxes are threatened and in
decline in many areas due to long-term habitat destruction. To conserve them we need to tolerate their
presence and protect their habitat.
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 Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV)

Bats may carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus which can be transmitted to humans through a bite or
scratch, or through saliva or neural tissue of the bat coming into contact with broken skin. This
disease is deadly to humans. Never attempt to handle a bat of any species unless you are a
vaccinated, trained bat carer and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). If you or any member
of your family is bitten or scratched by a bat or you suspect that an interaction has occurred with a bat,
it is important you seek immediate medical advice. Also, do not allow your dog or cat to interact with
the bat. If you believe your dog or cat has interacted with the bat, contact your veterinarian for advice.
You can =nd out more about Australian bat lyssavirus here (/~/media/=les/animal care
tips/ablv_factsheet_aug_ 2013 - qbblg consult draft.ashx).

Hendra virus (HeV)

Hendra virus is a virus carried by @ying foxes (not microbats) which can cause serious illness in
humans. There are no recorded cases of humans contracting HeV directly from bats; however, humans
can catch HeV from horses which in turn contract it from @ying foxes. There is a vaccine available for
horses which protects them from Hendra virus and therefore protects humans as well. For more
information about Hendra Virus visit here (https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/animal-industries/animal-
health-and-diseases/a-z-list/hendra-virus/general-information/what-is-hendra-virus).

Heat Stress

Bats are particularly prone to suffer from heat stress. Bats stressed by the heat will often behave
differently than they usually do. They may lose their balance, collapse or appear confused, be seen
hanging from low branches or gathered on the ground.

If you see a bat showing these symptoms call 1300 ANIMAL or contact your local bat rescue group
(/~/media/=les/animal care tips/qld regional bat vacinated.ashx). If the heat stressed bats are on the
ground you can gently spray them with water or cover them in a cool wet towel to help lower their body
temperature while you wait for assistance, but remember not to handle the bat, attempt to pick it up or
in any way make direct contact with the bat.

Sick or injured bats

Don’t touch the bat. Call 1300 ANIMAL or contact your local bat rescue group. They will be able to
notify someone who is vaccinated and trained to handle @ying foxes.

Have you found a dead bat?

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 If you =nd a bat that you think is deceased, do not touch it. It is best to dispose of the body by picking
it up wearing pierce-proof gloves, or using a plastic bag and towel or a spade and disposing of the
body in a bin. Do not make direct contact with the bat.

The RSPCA does not collect deceased bats but if an animal is sick or injured call the 1300 ANIMAL
hotline and we will come and help out or organise a bat rescuer to help. Please also remember before
removing a dead bat that there may still be a baby bat tucked under its wing as young stay with their
mum for a period of time. Don’t touch the baby or mother bat but ring 1300 ANIMAL and report it to us.
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