Bat Rescue WA

Have you been keeping hydrated? 💧

Hydration isn’t just important for us, it’s vital for
wildlife too.

We wanted to share the difference it can make, using a Gould’s wattled bat as an example.
The first image shows a dehydrated bat with sunken shoulders, while the second shows a well-hydrated, healthier one with plumper shoulders.
The difference is striking.❗️

Dehydration can be very dangerous for animals. Without enough water, their bodies struggle to regulate temperature, organs can begin to fail, and they become weak and unable to hunt or escape predators. Australian wildlife vets and rehabilitators often see this during hot weather, and in small animals like bats, it can become life-threatening very quickly.

Access to clean, safe drinking water is just as important as access to water itself. Dirty or contaminated water can spread disease and make already vulnerable animals even sicker. Refreshing water regularly and keeping containers clean can make a big difference.

Leaving out clean water sources can help wildlife thrive both day and night. As a bonus, bats will also help control unwanted insects.🦟🪲

Want to make your space bat-friendly? 🦇
• Provide a shallow water bowl with pebbles for safe access
• Add a branch so animals can climb out and prevent drowning
• If you have a pond, avoid netting where possible
• Keep in mind most bats drink while in flight, so open access to water is key

⚠️ If you see a bat that looks like the first image and it’s on the ground, please do not handle it.
Contact:
Bat Rescue WA on 0426 134 908
The Wildcare Helpline (08 9474 9055), or see our pinned list of contacts at the top of our page.

A small effort from us can make a life-saving difference for them.💜