Bats
The Bendigo region is host to a large native bat population. The two main types of bats we see in this area are the grey-headed flying fox and microbats. The flying foxes have established a permanent colony at Bendigo’s Rosalind Park and the group’s size can range from 200 members in winter to 2000 in summer.
While bats are not dangerous to humans when left alone, living in close proximity means we may still encounter them in and around our homes.
Bats in Australia are protected native wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1975. This means it is an offence to kill or injure or harm them, interfere with their roosts, or move them from where they are found.
Health risks
Bats in Australia can carry a virus known as the Australian Bat Lyssa Virus (ABLV), which is related to the rabies virus. It is a severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal. ABLV can transmit from a bat through a bite or a scratch.
The most important rule with bats is to try and avoid handling them at all.
Call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300 for help – they will be able to send a trained and vaccinated wildlife handler to help.
If you have been bitten or scratched by a bat; wash the affected area with soap and water, apply an antiseptic such as Betadine and get medical help as soon as you can. There are vaccines and post-exposure treatments for ABLV which need to be given as soon as possible.
Here's what to do if:
You find a sick or injured bat / or a bat on the ground
Do not touch or attempt to rescue the bat yourself.
Keep children and pets away.
Call Wildlife Victoria for help.
You find a dead bat
Do not handle the dead bat with your bare hands.
There can sometimes be a live baby clinging to the dead bat under the wing.
Call Wildlife Victoria for advice and assistance.
You find a bat hanging by itself during the day
This is not normal behaviour for a bat – please call Wildlife Victoria and report the bat for assessment.
You find a bat tangled and stuck in fruit tree netting / caught on barbed wire / hanging on a powerline
Do not try to rescue the bat yourself.
It is common that bats get injured when well-meaning people try to help them due to improper handling.
It is safer to not handle flying foxes at all as they can become aggressive and bite when scared.
Call Wildlife Victoria for assistance. Make sure to keep children and pets away.
A bat flew into your house
Do not touch the bat or try to catch it. Open all doors and windows, turn off indoor lights and ceiling fans, and if possible, turn on an outdoor light.
If the bat seems unable or unwilling to fly, call Wildlife Victoria.
Your pet caught a bat
This is a tricky situation. If possible, it would be best to get your pet to drop the bat. If you must intervene, try not to handle the bat with bare hands: use thick gloves like gardening gloves if you have to and try not to handle the bat too much.
Your pet should be taken to a vet as there is a post-exposure vaccine available for pets.
Call Wildlife Victoria for assistance with the bat.
If you think you might have a bite or scratch (note microbats may leave very small wounds that can be hard to see), seek medical help as soon as possible.
For healthcare providers
If you are assessing a person who has been exposed to a bat, please refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook at Rabies and other lyssaviruses | The Australian Immunisation Handbook (health.gov.au) for guidance with assessment and post-exposure treatment.
Contact the LMPHU for assistance with arranging and ordering post-exposure prophylaxis within the region. Our 24-hour number is 1800 959 400.
The information on this page has been reviewed and approved by Wildlife Victoria.
Resources:
Australian bat lyssavirus infection - Better Health Channel
Victoria's flying fox colonies (wildlife.vic.gov.au)
