21/10/2026
‼️ Never Touch Bats /Flying Foxes ‼️
Our Flying foxes in parts of eastern Australia are sadly experiencing a serious mass starvation event, with many struggling to find enough food due to shortages of natural flowering and nectar sources.
As a result, it’s possible we may see more flying foxes on the ground, in unusual locations, or appearing weak, exhausted or distressed. Young & pregnant flying foxes are particularly vulnerable.
‼️These animals need our help, but it is extremely important that people do NOT attempt to handle or rescue them.‼️
Why shouldn't you touch a bat?
Flying foxes and microbats can carry Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV), a rare but potentially fatal virus that can be transmitted through bites or scratches.
Even a bat that appears weak, injured or unable to fly may bite or scratch when frightened.
NEVER attempt to pick up, handle, feed or give water to a bat.
Only trained, vaccinated wildlife rescuers should handle bats.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A BAT IN DISTRESS:
✅ Keep children and pets well away.
✅ Do not touch, move or attempt to rescue the bat.
✅ If safe, observe from a distance and note its exact location.
✅ Contact a wildlife rescue organisation immediately for advice and assistance.
📞 WIRES: 1300 094 737
📞 Sydney Wildlife Rescue: 02 9413 4300
🚨 IF YOU ARE BITTEN OR SCRATCHED BY A BAT, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ADVICE.
❤️ Flying foxes are essential native pollinators and seed dispersers, playing a vital role in the health of our forests and ecosystems.
They are not aggressive animals by nature, and those affected by starvation are especially vulnerable.
Please don't be afraid of bats, but please don't touch them.
If you see a bat in trouble, the kindest and safest thing you can do is contact a trained wildlife rescuer.
Protect our bats. Protect yourself.
