What should you do if a bat gets stuck in hair? - briefly
Remain calm, put on thick gloves, gently cut or comb the hair away from the bat to free it, place the animal in a ventilated container, and immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
What should you do if a bat gets stuck in hair? - in detail
If a bat becomes entangled in hair, immediate action should focus on safety, humane removal, and health precautions.
First, protect yourself. Wear disposable gloves or use a thick barrier such as a plastic bag over your hand. Avoid direct skin contact, as bats can carry rabies and other pathogens.
Next, calm the animal. Bats are sensitive to stress; a gentle approach reduces the risk of injury. Hold the affected area with the gloved hand, keeping the bat’s head away from your face.
Proceed with removal:
- Use a pair of fine‑toothed tweezers or a small, smooth‑edge tool to grasp the hair strand nearest the bat’s claws.
- Slowly pull the hair outward, following the direction of growth, to free the bat without pulling on its wings or limbs.
- If the bat is firmly wedged, apply a small amount of warm, soapy water to the hair. The moisture can loosen the grip and make extraction easier.
- Once the animal is free, place it in a ventilated container (e.g., a cardboard box with holes) and cover it lightly to reduce stress.
After the bat is released, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and disinfectant, even if gloves were used. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control agency to report the incident and receive guidance on any further steps, especially if the bat displayed signs of illness.
If you experience any bites, scratches, or suspect exposure to saliva, seek medical attention promptly. A rabies post‑exposure prophylaxis regimen may be required, depending on regional protocols.
Finally, assess the environment that allowed the encounter. Seal openings, install screens, and keep hair tied back when working in areas where bats are known to roost, reducing the likelihood of future incidents.