Big Brown Bat Overcomes Emaciation

The following story about a big brown bat was shared with us by Ohio Wildlife Center.

This big brown bat was admitted to Ohio Wildlife Center Wildlife Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, in February 2021. The bat was dehydrated and extremely emaciated after being entrapped in a building over the winter. Her weight was below the hibernating weight of 15 grams (about half an ounce); she only weighed 10 grams.

Big brown bat populations have decreased significantly in the last several years due to white nose syndrome. White nose syndrome is a cold growing fungus that affects our hibernating bats in the Eastern and Midwestern regions.

Every bat that is admitted to our Community Wildlife Hospital is important and considered a survivor due to their status as species of concern in Ohio. After an initial exam, she was given fluids and continued care in an incubator.

When a bat is admitted during the winter, we need to monitor closely and begin to start feeding slowly. Any animal can get refeeding syndrome if given food too quickly while they are emaciated. We started with EmerAid IC Carnivore, hand-feeding in a syringe three times daily and allowed the bat to eat small amounts frequently.

Bats love the flavor and taste of EmerAid IC Carnivore. Without EmerAid IC Carnivore and hand-feeding, this species of concern would not have been able to survive. She gained weight and strength and was released back to the wild in May as soon as temperatures were above 50 degrees at night and the bugs were back in the area.