Wildlife

Pipistrelle Bat Welfare During Hibernation

Pipistrelle bats in the UK hibernate from October to March, and the welfare of hibernating bats depends on suitable roost sites with stable temperatures and freedom from disturbance.

Key Facts

Common and soprano pipistrelles hibernate mainly in buildings and trees
Hibernating bats enter torpor, reducing metabolic rate to as low as 10% of normal
Disturbance during hibernation costs enormous energy reserves and can be fatal
Cold spells cause deep torpor while mild periods allow arousal and feeding
Building renovation during winter poses risk to hibernating bats

Welfare Considerations

Hibernating bats disturbed from torpor must burn fat reserves to rewarm, potentially depleting reserves needed to survive until spring. Repeated disturbance causes starvation. Building renovation during winter must be preceded by bat surveys to avoid disturbing hibernating animals. Legal protection is in force year-round but particularly critical in winter.

What You Can Do

Ensure building surveys cover hibernation as well as maternity roost use
Never handle bats found hibernating unless they appear injured
Report any bat found during building renovation immediately to Bat Conservation Trust helpline
Plan building works for summer periods to avoid hibernation season
Support bat group winter hibernation monitoring at known hibernacula