How to Catch a Fruit Bat

Fruit bats are found all over the world. They differ from other bats because they are vegetarians and do not eat insects or suck the blood of other mammals. Fruit bats exist solely on fruit, and play an important role in pollination. Catching a Fruit bat involves a good plan and the right equipment. Remember that you are dealing with a wild animal who will be frightened and try to get away at all costs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Leather or heavy work gloves
• Bath towel
• Butterfly net

1. Don the gloves. You need to protect your hands from the fruit bat. Do not attempt to catch it without wearing either heavy work gloves or leather gloves.
2. Move slowly. If you make quick moves, you will frighten the bat. Ease up to him slowly and quietly.
3. Throw the bath towel up to where the bat is resting. If you throw the towel up, the bat will fly down into it.
4. Use the butterfly net to catch the bat. Make sure the net is wide enough for the bat's wings. Take care not to injure the animal.
5. Put the fruit bat into a suitable cage.

Tips & Warnings

• If you shine a flashlight into a bat's eyes sometimes it will freeze, making it easier to capture.
• Bats may carry rabies. Any time you attempt to handle a bat, you risk catching this disease. If you see a bat during the day or if it is on the ground and seems sick, do not touch it. Contact your animal control officer and ask them to take care of disposing of the bat.
• Bats are wild animals, and will not do well in captivity. Release the bat after a couple of hours.