Injured and orphaned bats require specialized care from trained rehabilitators before release, with their welfare needs distinct from other wildlife species.
Bats have complex physiological and behavioral needs that make rehabilitation challenging. They require live prey insects, specific temperature gradients for thermoregulation, and often conspecific company. Poorly managed rehabilitation causes unnecessary suffering and poor release outcomes. Release back to the original roost site or appropriate habitat is crucial for survival. Bats held too long in rehabilitation may become food-imprinted on humans and unable to survive wild release.