Found a bat? We're here to help — call us NOW: 512-695-4116 or 512-799-8847

We’re Here to Help.

Call us – Austin Bat Refuge is available 24/7. Do NOT handle the bat with bare hands.

Primary Line 512-695-4116 24/7 Emergency Response Alternate Line 512-799-8847 If primary doesn’t answer

Remain calm. The bat is not attacking you.

We created a guide to help you quickly identify how to help a bat, or if a bat needs help at all. Please choose the option that most closely describes your situation. Most importantly, remain calm, and do not handle the bat with your bare hands. If you need immediate assistance, please call us.

️ Important:

If there is a chance that a person or a pet has been bitten by a bat, you must call your local Animal Control. In Austin, contact Austin 311.

Watch: Bat Containment Guide

What is your situation?

Select the option that most closely describes your situation. Most importantly, remain calm and do not handle the bat with bare hands.

A Bat is in My House

If the bat was found in a room where a person was sleeping, please call your local animal control. In Austin, call 3-1-1. If the bat was not in a room where a person was sleeping, please continue below.

If the bat is flying around the house, follow these steps:

  • Close all doors that lead to other rooms.
  • Open all doors and windows that lead outside.
  • Turn off the light, and patiently wait for the bat to fly outside.
  • If the bat lands on the floor or a wall, follow our bat containment guide below.

Give us a call if you’d like more help or information: 512-695-4116

Important: Never touch a bat with bare hands. If there is a chance that a person or a pet was bitten, please call your local animal control.

Live Bat on the Ground Outside

Never touch or handle a bat with your bare hands.

If you found a bat on the ground, please follow these steps:

  • Could the bat have fallen from a nearby tree or bat box?
  • Is the bat injured? Please visually inspect without touching the bat.
    • Yes, or unsure. Please contact us immediately.
    • No. Proceed to the next step.
  • Find a long stick.
  • Let the bat try to grab onto the stick.
  • If the bat holds onto the stick, gently lift it into a bat box or tree. You may need a ladder.
  • If the bat can’t hold on, or you’re unable to lift it into a box or tree, please follow our bat containment guide.

If you are unable to contain the bat, please call us — we’d be happy to help!

Bat Hanging Outside Within Reach of Humans or Pets

Sometimes bats can be found sleeping low on walls, tree trunks, or other structures. If they’re somewhere humans or other animals could reach them easily, please call us immediately so we can help move them somewhere safer. If you’re comfortable containing the bat, please follow our bat containment guide below.

Found Bat Hanging in a Tree

Great news! You have your very own backyard pest control. Bats hanging high on tree branches don’t need to be interfered with unless they’re easily in reach of children or pets. Many of our local species inhabit oak, pecan, pine, and palm trees.

If bats fell out of your tree while you were trimming, please contact us immediately and we will send help.

To read more about our local species, or how to care for their habitats: Local Species · Palm Trees

Bat Stuck in Glue Trap

Call us immediately. Please do not attempt to handle the bat or remove it from the glue trap. If possible, carefully move the bat into a safe container like a shoe box. Please ensure the bat cannot get wrapped up or trapped further in the glue.

Glue traps are harmful to bats, birds, lizards, and other beneficial wildlife that accidentally get stuck. If you have glue traps in or around your home, please consider other alternatives for pest control.

Bat in Distress

Call us immediately if you see a bat in distress. Examples include:

  • Bats with obvious injuries
  • Bats trapped in glue traps, wires, debris, or otherwise unable to move freely
  • Bats on the ground with their babies (pups)
  • Bats in swimming pools or bodies of water
    • If possible, please safely remove the bat from the water with a pool net or stick. Do not touch the bat with your bare hands.
    • Call us once the bat has been removed from the water.
My Pet Found A Bat

Dogs and cats frequently find bats in the yard. We’ve often seen pets alert their owners to a bat in distress — they can be bat heroes too! Unfortunately, they can sometimes be the cause of distress, if they think they’ve found a new friend.

Please give us a call, and we’ll help you figure out next steps.

If you think your pet or a person could have been bitten by a bat, you must call your local animal control. In Austin, call 3-1-1.

Found a Dead Bat

Please call us if you are unsure what to do with a dead bat. We can help you decide the best course of action.

Never handle a bat with your bare hands.

There are Many Bats in My House or Business

Please call us for more information about finding bats frequently in your house or business. We can provide information, help you find humane removal for the bats, and advise on preventing bats from entering again.

How to Safely Contain a Bat

Wearing leather gloves, place a thick towel or container over the bat. Slide cardboard underneath and secure. Never handle with bare hands.

️ Never handle with bare hands, no matter how small the bat appears.
How to contain a bat - step by step illustration Click to enlarge
Quick Call Checklist

When you call us, have this information ready:

  • Where is the bat located?
  • Is it flying or on a surface?
  • Has anyone touched or been near the bat?
  • Do you have gloves or a container?
  • Are there children or pets present?
Call 512-695-4116
Bat Intake

Bat Admission Form

If you’ve already spoken with us and we’ve asked you to submit an intake form, use the link below. Please call us before submitting a bat – we need to arrange care in advance.

Call First: 512-695-4116 Bat Admission Form →

Support the Austin Bat Refuge

Every donation of every amount makes a difference.

Donate to Austin Bat Refuge →
Found a Bat? 512-695-4116 Donate →