Rare Indiana Bat Rescued from Missouri Office Building, Revived by Wildlife Team and Released Safely

In Kirkwood, Missouri, a resident named Eros recently noticed an unusual “furry lump” on an office building wall, which turned out to be a small, unmoving bat with her face buried against the brick. Concerned about the bat’s state, Eros spoke to office workers who mentioned that the bat hadn’t moved in days.

Eros then contacted their partner, Elspeth Furey, who happens to volunteer as a bat rescuer with the Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC). Realizing the bat needed help, Furey immediately headed to the scene.

Upon arriving, Furey carefully transferred the bat into a towel-lined container with air holes, ensuring safe transport to WRC. There, the WRC team assessed the bat’s condition and found that she was suffering from a mite infestation, which had left her exhausted and motionless. With quick treatment and the right medication, they began nursing her back to health. The team was hopeful that with care, she would soon be on the road to recovery.

As they worked to restore her health, the rescuers started examining her specific features to identify her species. They soon made a thrilling discovery: the bat was an endangered Indiana bat.

This species, which is just two inches long and weighs less than an ounce, has suffered greatly due to threats like white-nose syndrome, pesticide use, and habitat loss, leading to a 50% population decline over the past decade. Knowing they were helping a rare and endangered animal added to the excitement and commitment of the WRC team.

With the WRC’s efforts, the bat regained her strength, and in just three days, she was ready to return to her natural habitat. Furey and the WRC staff were elated to release her, knowing their care had made a difference not just for this individual bat but for the broader conservation of her species. This experience was particularly meaningful for Furey, who expressed joy at having the chance to aid a rare Indiana bat up close.

For those who encounter bats in distress, WRC advises contacting licensed wildlife rehabilitators instead of handling the bat directly, as it’s crucial to ensure both personal and animal safety. The WRC team, including staff member Christina Kinnamon, shared that releasing an endangered animal like the Indiana bat back into the wild is especially rewarding, marking a hopeful step for local conservation efforts.