F.A.Q

If you find a bat on the ground or in a building, the two most important things to remember are
1. Don't panic!   and
2. Do not handle the bat barehanded or attempt to care for it yourself.

You'll find the answers to all your questions about safe containment, and a listing of qualified rehabilitators in your area, here. Contact a local rehabilitator and make arrangements to get the bat to them right away. ​

Regulations governing wildlife rehabilitation vary by state; however, in general, you can expect to be required to complete basic training courses. In addition, finding a local, permitted rehabilitator who can serve as your mentor is strongly recommended. Your mentor will provide you with access to resources and hands-on, supervised training on specific species.

Not all rehabilitators are experienced with all species of native wildlife. You'll want to think about which species interest you most before searching for a mentor. Your state wildlife agency can help you find a mentor who specializes in the species in which you are most interested.

Still have questions? Email us at bwmidcities-batworld.org, and we'll provide the answers.

Training requirements vary by state and species. A basic course, supplemented by courses in species-specific care, nutrition, enrichment, and fund-raising will help you to provide care based on current science and best practices. Specialty areas like pharmacology, medical math, wound management, and infectious diseases are appropriate for rehabilitators who are accepting more complex cases.

At Bat World, we do not have a formal curriculum for training; rather, we tailor course recommendations to each student's particular areas of interest and experience level.

Rabies is a serious issue. While most wild animals are not infected, it is still a concern. Rehabilitators who choose to work with rabies vector species (coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, bats) should be vaccinated prior to beginning hands-on work with those animals.

As of May, 2022, the US CDC recommends two doses of rabies vaccine, given one week apart, to ensure adequate immunity. Blood tests every 1-2 years to measure immunity, called an 'end-point titer', indicate whether or not a booster is required.

The CDC protocol and titer test information can be found here.

Individuals interested in volunteering at Bat World must be at least 18 years of age, and must have access to reliable transportation. In order to work with our insectivorous bats, you must be vaccinated for rabies - please see our FAQ about rabies immunization for details.

Volunteer opportunities at Bat World vary by location. For information about volunteering at the main Sanctuary facility, click here.

At the Bat World MidCities location, volunteers are in training to become permitted rehabilitators. Hands-on animal care activities are scheduled on a weekly basis for a ~3 hour shift, starting at 9 AM. Due to space constraints, we only schedule one volunteer per shift. The volunteer agreement and application can be found here.

Texas wildlife laws are complex. Most regulations are under the purview of the Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD); however, some are incorporated into the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and others are part of the Penal Code. The participant guide from our 'Making Sense of Texas Wildlife Laws' course, and the TPWD required monthly report for Animal Control agencies can be found here.