Important Note
This is a rabies-vector species. This does not mean the animal you've encountered is infected with rabies, but rather that its species is able to carry the disease without showing symptoms. Exercise extreme caution when dealing with any animal that could potentially carry rabies.
If you find a bat lying on the ground, you can safely capture it, if you wish, by placing a box over it and gently sliding a piece of cardboard or heavy paper under the bat, then turning it over and securing the top to the box with tape. Please wear leather gloves or use a thick towel when picking up a bat. Be very careful to protect yourself from being bitten by the bat. Although the vast majority of bats never get rabies, it is always best to be on the safe side by NEVER touching a bat.
For assistance with bats found on the ground or flying in a building, please contact:
Austin Bat Refuge
512-799-8847
512-695-4116
austinbatrefuge.org