Bats are the most frequently grounded British mammal requiring rescue; species-specific handling, nutrition, and housing are essential for welfare during rehabilitation and successful release.
Bat rescue requires specialist knowledge that general wildlife rehabilitators may lack. The specific dietary, thermal, and housing needs of bats differ substantially from other small mammals. Mealworm-only diets are inadequate and cause metabolic disease; appropriate supplementation is critical. Bats handled for rescue are stressed by light and human contact; minimising handling duration and providing dark, warm, escape-proof containers immediately reduces welfare costs.