Bat in the house that won't budge. Who do you call in Fayetteville?

A neighbor of mine found a bat in her living room this morning. It's been clinging to the top of a curtain all day and won't fly or move, even with the lights on and a door cracked open. She's understandably rattled, and with this cold snap I'm guessing it came in looking for somewhere warm.

I saw the same question in another group and North Song wild bird rehab here in Fayetteville was mentioned. I honestly don't know whether they take bats or only birds, so if anyone has dealt with them, I'd appreciate hearing how it went. One person in that discussion warned about rabies. Others said to throw on a pair of gloves and scoop it into a box, and still others said not to touch it at all and to call someone. I'd like to hear from people who have actually been through this.

Who did you call, and how quickly did they get back to you? Animal Services, a wildlife rehabber, a pest company? Anyone who has the right number, please share it.

I'll say now that I'm not offering medical advice, and I'd ask that we keep the replies practical and kind. She just wants it out of the house safely.

Poor thing, and poor neighbor. Stephanie, I'd say tell her to skip the bare-hands approach. I don't have a number memorized, so I'd call North Song first and just ask if they take bats. If they don't, Fayetteville Animal Services or a licensed wildlife person can probably point her to someone who does.

One more thing worth knowing. If anyone slept in that room, or there's any chance of a bite or scratch (they're tiny and easy to miss), call the Arkansas Department of Health before the bat goes anywhere. They may want it tested, so it's better not to let it loose or get rid of it until that's sorted out. That isn't medical advice, just what I've always heard.

We had one get into the fellowship hall at church a few years back, and a call beat a scoop every time. A bat sitting still all day in the cold is probably worn out or sick, which is another reason not to grab it.

Please post back and let us know how it goes. Have a good one.