What is a recommended action when a bat has not made contact?

Helping the bat escape is the recommended action when it has not made contact. Bats are generally beneficial creatures, often involved in controlling insect populations, particularly mosquitoes and agricultural pests. If a bat is found indoors or in a situation where it might be in danger, it is crucial to guide it safely back outside. This can be achieved by opening windows or doors, allowing the bat to exit on its own.

This approach minimizes harm to the animal and promotes its natural behavior. It helps preserve the ecological role that bats play while avoiding unnecessary death or injury. In situations where a bat is not posing an immediate threat or has not made contact, assisting it in fleeing is the most humane and ecologically sound choice.

Other options may not be appropriate or beneficial for the bat. For instance, killing the bat would not only harm the animal but also disrupt local ecosystems. Trapping the bat for relocation can be risky; it may cause stress and exposure to predators, and it also requires specialized knowledge to do so safely and legally. Submitting the bat for testing is typically reserved for cases where it has made contact with humans or pets, as this would raise concerns about rabies or other diseases. Therefore, aiding the bat's escape is the ideal response when