Entangled Bats

Home > Mammals > Bats > Entanglement   

Entanglements
Unfortunately,  bats often end up getting caught on barbed wire, and in bird nets set to protect fruit trees. Every year hundreds, if not thousands of native animals die in on barbed wire and on nets like the one in this picture - including threatened species such as Yellow-bellied Gliders and this Grey-headed Flying Fox.

It is a bit more effort to net trees properly - but think about the effect it has on wildlife, and most reasonable people would agree it is worth the effort.

What Can You Do?
If you live on a property, don't use barbed wire unless you absolutely need to. In most cases it is not needed.

For further information visit www.wildlifefriendlyfencing.com

In NSW, commercial fruit growers putting up a netting structure must ensure the structure does not trap or injure protected animals such as flying foxes. You could be prosecuted if you fail to do this. Their are guidelines on the National Parks and Wildlife Service website that show how to net correctly.

For people growing fruit trees in their backyard, there are also guidelines on the National Parks & Wildlife website to avoid injuring wildlife - Click HERE

Importantly, you should not try to rescue any type of bat yourself, as they may carry a dangerous virus (Australian Bat Lyssavirus). Only people who have been vaccinated against this virus should handle the bats. Although they are not aggressive animals by nature, any animal that is trapped and in pain will defend itself - it does not know you want to help.

If you find an injured or entangled bat, it is important to Immediately contact Wildlife Rescue South Coast or your closest wildlife group. The longer they are tangled, the more damage gets done - even ten minutes could make a difference. Bat's wings are sensitive, and have blood veins running through them.

When bats become tangled and try to escape, the netting tightens and cuts of vital blood supply. While not immediately obvious, the effected area may die off, sometimes weeks later, leaving a gaping hole in their wing, preventing them from being able to fly.

Updated July 2011