Bat helpline numbers

Health and Safety first

Please note that bats can carry rabies although there have been only a few isolated cases reported in the United Kingdom.  The risk of catching the virus from a bat is extremely low, but Cornwall Wildlife Trust recommend that bats are only handled by experienced and qualified bat handlers. 

Stray bats

Many of the calls for help received by bat help-lines concern bats flying into buildings after dark  This usually involves a young bat which has got lost and it occurs most frequently between mid-July and mid-August when baby bats are learning to fly and still developing their echo-location skills.

The bat will be disoriented and will want to get out as quickly as possible.  Try not to panic, simply open the outside doors and windows, dim the lights and allow it to escape by itself.  NEVER attempt to catch a bat in flight; there is a high risk of injury both to the bat and its pursuer. If the bat has not escaped by the next morning, seek advice.

Where can I get help?

The following people are purely volunteers living in Cornwall. Please bear this in mind if you call. 

Bat protection and the law

Bats are protected by law.  To report any bat or other animal cruelty incident please call the RSPCA immediately on 0300 123 4999.

Bat roosts are also protected by law. To report any incidents, or for help and advice, contact your local branch of Natural England or the Police Wildlife Officer via your local Police Station.

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