Do you have dead bats in your yard?

Heat stress events and prolonged food shortages can result in poor health in flying-foxes. In some cases, individuals may not survive. We have recently received requests for information on what to do if a flying-fox is found deceased in a residential yard.

To ensure that you, your family, and pets stay safe and healthy, it is recommended that you:

• Wear protective clothing such as boots, gloves, long-sleeve shirt, and protective glasses
• Use tools such as a garbage bag, tongs, shovel and a lined garbage bin or bucket
• Do not touch the flying-fox, as some individuals carry diseases.
• Take care not to accidentally scratch yourself from sharp body parts of the deceased animal, or come into contact with body fluids.

1. Gently prod the flying-fox with a tool (shovel or tongs) to check whether the flying-fox is dead or alive. Look for movement and listen for noise.
2. If the flying-fox is deceased, report the observation to WIRES on 1300 094 737, as the organisation is collating state-wide flying-fox mortality data. If the flying-fox is alive, call WIRES on 1300 094 737 to arrange for a wildlife carer to collect the individual.
3. Wear protective clothing and use tools to transfer the flying-fox into a garbage bag
4. Seal the bag and then place it into a lined garbage bin (red bin).
5. Take care to disinfect and clean all equipment afterwards and wash clothing in a separate hot water wash.

DOWNLOAD THE CORRECT DISPOSAL OF BATS GUIDE