Big Brown Bat Couldn’t Fly

The following story about a big brown bat was shared with us by Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Pennsylvania.

On March 31, 2025, an adult, male big brown bat was admitted to Aark Wildlife after being found grounded and unable to return to flight in Ottsville, Pennsylvania. The rescuer discovered him displaced from his roost and brought him to the center for evaluation and care.

Upon intake, the bat weighed 11.0 grams (about 0.39 ounces) and showed signs of moderate dehydration and an overall poor body condition.

Initial treatment focused on rehydration and nutritional support. The bat received subcutaneous fluids followed by carefully measured feedings of EmerAid IC Carnivore. Once stabilized, he was transferred out of the ICU and into the general bat room for continued care and observation.

During his stay, staff hand-fed live mealworms until he regained the strength and appetite to eat on his own. His energy and activity levels improved rapidly, and within days, he demonstrated strong flight ability and consistent weight gain.

After several weeks of care and monitoring, this resilient bat was successfully released back into the wild on May 12, 2025, ready to rejoin his colony and resume his vital ecological role, helping to keep insect populations in balance.

EmerAid IC Carnivore provided critical nutritional support during his rehabilitation, ensuring a smooth recovery and safe return to the wild.