Each year, the California Bat Conservation Fund rehabilitates over 100 bats and successfully returns more than 70% of them to the wild. The Fund depends on Pegasus Veterinary Clinic in Novato and Harbor Veterinary Hospital in Santa Cruz who assist them in the diagnosis and treatment of bats. Recuperating bats remain in the care of rehabilitators and care givers until they are well enough to fend for themselves in their natural habitats. A bat may spend a few days or several months under care depending on the severity of its injuries.
Chomper - a young, male Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) - was discovered Labor Day 1998 grounded by a broken radius. After his wing was successfully pinned, Chomper spent the winter with Rehabilitation Specialist Morgan Venable and was released to the wild during early spring.
Those bats whose injuries prevent them from surviving in nature remain in the care of the Fund. Several of these bats accompany educational outreach staff to community sites, providing thousands of curious children, youth, and adults with an up-close look at live bats - a unique opportunity meant to inspire tolerance and appreciation of these often misunderstood creatures.
During baby season - late spring to early summer - rehabilitators are extremely busy raising and caring for orphaned and injured bat pups.
The Fund is currently seeking individuals interested in training to become rehabilitation specialists. If you are an experienced wildlife rehabilitator and have a sincere interest in caring for injured bats, please contact the California Bat Conservation Fund to learn more.