Bat rescue in Chicago?

November 7, 2015 5:47 PM

I'm looking for an organization in the Chicago area that specializes in rescuing/rehabilitating injured bats. Is there such a thing? I'm looking for volunteer opportunities. Also interested in any general wildlife rescue organization that might have a department of bats (DOB).
posted by 912 Greens to Pets & Animals (4 answers total)

Maybe try Bat World's Rescue Locator? I think it's primarily for people who have found a bat in need of help, but if nobody can point you to anything more specific, this might be a place to start at least. Looks like there are a few possibilities within a wide-ish radius of Chicago, depending on how far you can travel.

Good luck, I hope you can find bats to help!
posted by DingoMutt at 6:07 PM on November 7, 2015

I'd contact any local wildlife rehabbing facility and ask them, I've worked with many and all of them had a list of where to send people with animals we couldn't help. Sometimes the local bat rescue is very loosely organized and there's only a few people ready to help. The good news is, at least we're I am, the bat volunteers are always looking for more people. If you don't already you might want to get the rabies shot, most places won't let you handle bars without it.
posted by lepus at 6:39 PM on November 7, 2015

Midwest Bat Working Group. Try posting your question to their listserv or facebook.
posted by valannc at 10:29 PM on November 7, 2015

No, there is no such thing in Chicago. I volunteer for a bird rescue group that also deals with bats from time to time, and our understanding is that Illinois wildlife rehab centers are prohibited, by law, from providing care to bats due to risk of rabies transmission. The best we can do is relocate bats to a safer location. I'm having a hell of a time finding any information about the specific law(s) relevant to bat rehab, but that's Willowbrook Willdife Center's policy, anyhow.
posted by gueneverey at 7:14 AM on November 8, 2015