Welcome to Pembrokeshire Bat Group
Join us in protecting bats and their habitats!
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Bats
Find answers to your queries about bat conservation.
Pembrokeshire is home to several bat species, including:
- Common Pipistrelle and Soprano Pipistrelle
- Brown Long-Eared Bat
- Daubenton’s Bat
- Whiskered Bat and Brandt’s Bat
- Greater Horseshoe Bat (largest population in the UK)
- Lesser Horseshoe Bat
- Barbastelle Bat (Pembrokeshire is the only place in Wales where breeding colonies of this rare bat have been identified)
You can volunteer with us, participate in local events, or simply educate others about bats. There is lots of information on the Bat Conservation Trust website.
No, bats generally pose no threat to humans and are beneficial for pest control. However, a very small number of British bats have been found to carry rabies out of many thousands tested, so always wear gloves if you need to handle a bat. Read more on rabies in bats>
Firstly, call the Bat Conservation Trust helpline on 0345 1300 228 and they will give you advice and may put you in touch with a local bat carer. Follow BCT’s guidance for containing an injured bat if you need to get it to a bat carer.
Always wear gloves when handling a bat. Dead bats found by members of the public should be sent for analysis as part of a surveillance programme for rabies. Contact the Bat Conservation Trust for guidance. They may send someone to collect the bat or send you a pack to send to a lab for testing.
Don’t panic – Close the doors, open a window and let it fly out. Don’t try and throw a towel or cloth over the bat to catch the bat as this could injure it. Bats have a sophisticated echolocation system that will help it find the open window. If in doubt, or if bats are frequently appearing in your house, phone the National Bat Helpline on 0345 1300 228 or use their Contact page
