Rescued bat still alive

The injured bat found by nine-year old Victoria Mowatt of Whiting Bay has turned out to be a Parti-coloured bat, so called because of the distinctive fur on its back. The hair is brown at the base but silver-tipped, giving the little animal a ‘frosted’ appearance. We must apologise for printing the first assumption that it was a Leisler’s bat, but the Parti-coloured bat is just as much a rarity, if not more, since it is found almost exclusively in continental Europe and parts of Asia. There have been occasional records of this species cropping up in Britain, and they are thought to be individuals blown off course on migration. Most of these records occur on the east coast of England, and it is impossible to guess how ‘Victoria’s bat’ ended up on a Scottish west coast island. Severe weather may have had something to do with it, but the bat could even have made part of the journey clinging to part of a ship.

NTS ranger Corinna Goeckeritz has passed the bat on to Tracey Joliffe, an expert based in Dundee, for long-term care. Unfortunately, the bat will probably never be able to fly again, as she has a badly damaged wing. Her injuries suggest that she might have been caught by a cat, perhaps being easy prey after a long, exhausting journey from the continent. Tracey will care for her well, and is delighted to have her, as long-term captive bats can be very useful for educational purposes.

Bats are protected, and you must never attempt to touch one unless it is ill or injured. Advice on how to deal with bats around your house can be obtained from any Scottish Natural Heritage office or by visiting their website at: www.snh.gov.uk.