A small free-tailed bat (Mops pumilus), rescued after being found in Richards Bay on New Year’s Day, has sadly passed away – but the creature’s brief fight highlights the vital role of bat rescuers.

The injured bat was discovered by a resident and collected by Amy Panikowski, co-chair of Bats KZN, for urgent care.

Despite showing signs of improvement after receiving antibiotics, feeding and care, the bat succumbed to its injuries last week. Injuries included a large section of the right wing missing.

“We know so little about our SA bats, and few veterinary practices are willing to help with bats,” said Panikowski.

“Thankfully, the vets in Richards Bay, Mtunzini, eShowe, and sometimes others nearby help us when we need it.
We try our best with each case, but because we still have much to learn to improve support, sometimes we aren’t successful.

Panikowski, a bat rehabber based in eShowe, covers areas from south of Ballito to St Lucia and Hluhluwe, and is available to assist anyone who finds an injured bat.

“If you find an injured bat or a bat in an odd place, do not harm it,” urged Panikowski.

She urges the community to contact Bats KZN’s WhatsApp helpline on 082 445 0585‬, where they help people in real time when they find a bat.

In some cases, members can guide you with safe housing until a release can happen, or in other cases, bats need to be taken to a rehab speedily.

Specific protocols are in place on how, when and where to release bats.

What to do if you find a bat

Find a box (closed but ventilated)
Place a towel in the box
Place a small lid of water in the box (adults only!)
Use gloves or a clean cloth to pick up the bat
Place the bat in the box
Take a picture and contact Bats KZN
Close the box and place it in a quiet area away from pets

What not to do

Cuddle or harm the bat
Release during the day
Feed or hydrate the bat without guidance

Other fun bat facts:

Bats are crucial to our health and our food security. Without bats, we would have ecological collapse as some species feed on a variety of insects, while others are fruit eaters and seed dispensers.

As with any wildlife that needs help, it’s always important to be safe. Use a cloth when picking up a bat. It’s more to protect the bat from the human – they feel more secure and can hang on to the cloth.

Some people think all bats have rabies. However, none of the SA bats tested for rabies have come back positive for classic canine rabies.

Bats are extremely gentle creatures, excellent mothers, and one of the safest wildlife with which we can coexist.

Having bats around indicates a healthy environment. One of the most important, active conservation activities one can do is protect a roost in one’s roof if occupied by bats

Need help with any tweaks to allow for a peaceful coexistence? Bats KZN can advise. Bats KZN gives educational talks. Email info@batskzn.org.za for more information

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY