Finding a deceased bat can be a surprising and sometimes concerning discovery. Understanding the physical traits of a dead bat is necessary for accurate identification, especially since its small, dark body can sometimes be mistaken for other small animals. This information provides a detailed description of a deceased bat’s characteristics and the immediate public health guidance required upon finding one.
Physical Characteristics of a Deceased Bat
A dead bat appears as a small, mouse-sized mammal covered in fine, dense fur, typically brown, black, or reddish. The most distinguishing feature is the wings, which are often folded closely against the body but may be partially outstretched or damaged. These wings consist of the patagium, a thin, skin-like membrane stretched across the bat’s highly elongated finger bones, unlike a bird’s feathered wings.
When deceased, this delicate membrane may appear dried, shriveled, or torn, making the underlying bone structure more noticeable. The bat’s head is small, featuring visible external ears (pinnae) and a mouth containing small, sharp teeth, confirming its mammalian status.
The body position varies, as rigor mortis often locks the animal into its final posture. A bat can sometimes remain hanging from a structure even after death due to specialized tendons in its feet that lock its grip. Signs consistent with death, rather than deep hibernation (torpor), include noticeable body stiffness, bloating, or the presence of flies and decomposition odor.
Differentiating a Dead Bat from Other Small Animals
Distinguishing a dead bat from a mouse, small bird, or large insect relies primarily on examining the wings, body covering, and head structure. The presence of the patagium membrane instantly separates a bat from any rodent or insect. This dark, leathery skin stretched between the forelimbs is unique to the bat.
A mouse or rat lacks membranous wings, featuring a long, sparsely haired tail, a distinct snout, and whiskers. The bat’s tail, if present, is usually fully or partially enclosed within the uropatagium (the membrane connecting the hind legs). Additionally, a bat’s forelimbs are recognizable by their extremely long finger bones that form the wing structure, unlike the short forepaws of a rodent.
To differentiate a bat from a small bird, examine the body covering and head. Bats have fur, while birds are covered in feathers. A bird’s wing is supported by feathers and a robust bone structure with fused digits, whereas the bat’s wing is a skin membrane supported by separate, elongated fingers. The bat also possesses teeth and external ears, features absent in the beaked skull of a bird.
Immediate Safety Concerns and Handling Protocols
The most significant health concern associated with finding a dead bat is the potential for rabies virus transmission. Bats are the most frequently reported rabid wildlife in the United States, and any encounter must be treated with caution. The virus is present in the saliva and nervous tissue of an infected animal and transmits through a bite or when saliva enters an open wound or mucous membrane.
Physical contact with a bat, whether alive or dead, must be strictly avoided. If the bat was found in a room with a sleeping person, a child, or a pet, or if any physical contact is suspected, contact local public health authorities or animal control immediately. They will determine if the bat needs rabies testing, as bat bites can be tiny and unnoticed.
If authorities determine the resident should dispose of the bat and no human or pet exposure occurred, specific protocols must be followed. Always wear thick, heavy-duty gloves and avoid touching the bat with bare hands. Use a shovel, tongs, or another tool to gently place the bat into a sealable plastic bag. The bag should then be placed into a second sealable bag for double containment. Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after disposal.