06/27/2014
This may initially look like a blob of gray fuzz – but look closer and you will be amazed by the precious creatures you are looking at. This is truly something to look at with both awe and “awwwww” - this is a Hoary Bat momma, nursing her 2 pups!
This bat family was found on the ground and was brought to our attention when we received a call from a local police officer. We sent out a rescue volunteer to bring them into the Wildlife Hospital at the Wisconsin Humane Society. Take a look at this family! She’s been an excellent mom so far – her kids are healthy and HUGE – nearly 2/3 of her size. Even when grounded, she was protectively covering her babies, continuously tucking them under her. In captivity now, she continues to comfort, groom, and nurse her kids.
Unlike cavity-roosting bats, such as Big Brown or Little Brown Bats, that utilize more of a “daycare” method of pup care where the maternity colony leaves their pups together while they forage at night, foliage-roosting bats, like Hoary Bats, are considered solitary and raise their pups as single-moms. They keep their pups with them at all times– including when they are foraging at night. Sometimes she may “park” her kids for short periods of time as they get older, but she still has to regularly fly with her babies – even if they are ginormous. They’re great moms, and when you add in the physical strength required to fly with her kids, foliage-roosting bats definitely qualify as SUPERMOMS!
Bats flying with pups may become grounded due to the weight she is carrying if she flies too low (trying to evade a predator, for example), and can’t gain lift. Once she is on the ground, it is nearly impossible for her to gain flight again without a tree to climb up and drop from – and that’s when even supermoms need a little help.
These bats are in decent shape, but obviously were stressed and dehydrated from their ordeal. The family of three is now comfortable and currently in a dark, warm, quiet location receiving loving and supportive care. We expect them to be ready for release soon. Thank you for your support!
