How To Preserve A Dead Bat Safely And Legally? Key Facts

If you find a dead bat, do not touch it with bare hands. Rabies is a real risk, and many bat species are legally protected. The safest and most legal way to preserve a dead bat is to double-bag it using gloves, place it in a freezer, and then contact your state wildlife agency for specific instructions. Do not keep the bat without a permit, and never handle it without protection.

Why Safety Comes First When Handling a Dead Bat

The main danger from a dead bat is rabies. The rabies virus can survive in a dead animal’s brain and saliva for hours, especially if the tissue stays moist. Even a dead bat can transmit the virus through a bite or scratch if you handle it carelessly. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, so caution is essential.

Other risks include secondary bacterial infections from scratches or contact with bat feces. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone who may have been exposed to a bat should receive rabies post-exposure treatment. If you must handle a dead bat, wear thick rubber or nitrile gloves. Use a shovel or tongs to avoid direct contact. Double-bag the bat in sealed plastic bags.

What Are the Legal Rules for Keeping a Dead Bat?

Federal and state laws protect most bat species in the United States. It is generally illegal to possess a dead bat, or any part of a bat, without a permit. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act does not cover bats, but the Endangered Species Act applies to some species. Even common species may be protected under state wildlife regulations.

If you want to preserve a dead bat for educational or scientific purposes, you must first obtain permission from your state fish and wildlife agency. Simply finding a dead bat does not give you the right to keep it. Penalties can include fines or legal action. The safest legal step is to call your local wildlife authority and ask for guidance before doing anything else with the bat.

How To Preserve A Dead Bat Safely And Legally – Step by Step

Follow these steps to protect yourself and obey the law. Do not skip any of them.

• Do not touch the bat with bare skin. Wear thick gloves or use a tool like a shovel or tongs.
• Use two plastic bags. Place the bat in one bag, seal it, then place that bag inside a second bag. Squeeze out excess air before sealing.
• Freeze the bagged bat immediately. Freezing stops decomposition and kills some surface germs. It also preserves the body for potential testing.
• Label the bag clearly. Write the date and location where you found the bat on the outside bag. This information helps wildlife officials.
• Call your state wildlife agency or local health department. Tell them you have a dead bat. Ask whether they want it for rabies testing, whether you can keep it legally, and what they recommend for disposal or preservation.
• Only proceed with preservation if they authorize it. If you receive permission, you may use methods described in the next section. Otherwise, follow their disposal instructions.

What Is the Best Way to Preserve a Dead Bat for Scientific or Educational Use?

If you have a legal permit, the most practical home preservation method is freezing. A freezer at 0°F (-18°C) will keep the bat intact indefinitely without chemical damage. However, freezing alone does not prevent eventual decay if the bat is repeatedly thawed and refrozen. For long-term storage without a freezer, professionals use alcohol or formalin.

For a specimen that will be handled or studied, the standard method is to fix the bat in 70% isopropyl alcohol or ethanol. Do not use rubbing alcohol that contains additives or fragrances. The bat should be fully submerged in a sealed container. Alcohol preserves tissues and prevents bacterial growth. However, some state permits may require that specimens be handled only by licensed wildlife rehabilitators or university labs. Always follow the specific instructions from your permitting agency.

Formalin (formaldehyde solution) is used in museums but is a known carcinogen. It is not safe for home use and should be avoided. The CDC and other health agencies do not recommend formalin for non-professional use.

What Should You Never Do With a Dead Bat?

Do not throw the bat in the trash without first consulting your health department. In some areas, dead bats must be submitted for rabies testing. If you discard it improperly, you may miss a public health risk.

Do not bury the bat unless instructed. Burying can delay testing and may be illegal if the species is protected. Also, do not attempt to skin or skeletonize the bat yourself. These procedures require training and special equipment, and improper handling can spread disease.

Do not keep the bat as a souvenir or decoration without a permit. Even a dried bat wing or skull is considered part of the animal and is regulated. Many online sellers of bat specimens operate in a legal gray area; authorities recommend against purchasing any bat parts without verifying their source was legal.

When Should You Report Finding a Dead Bat?

Report a dead bat immediately if any person or pet had contact with it. Contact includes being bitten, scratched, or even waking up in a room where a bat was present (because bat bites can be tiny and go unnoticed). The local health department will arrange for rabies testing.

Even without known contact, you should report finding a dead bat if it is in a public place like a school, daycare, or park. Officials may want to test it to monitor local rabies activity. Also report if you find multiple dead bats in one area, which could signal a disease outbreak such as white-nose syndrome, a fungal infection that has devastated bat populations.

In most states, you can call the state wildlife agency or county health department. They will tell you if they need the bat or if you should dispose of it.