Hitcher was found hanging out all on his own in a fig tree at one of our vaccinated and trained bat rescuers' property near Dalgety. Choosing to find a trained bat rescuer's home to hang out in when he ran into trouble was very smart of him!
The fact Hitcher was on his own during the day was a sign that he may be unwell or injured as Flying Foxes usually return to their colony during the day. Hitcher was able to be rescued from the tree and was then transported to our Bat coordinator.
Upon assessment, Hitcher was found to be dehydrated and had an old fracture to one of his long middle finger bones that had healed crooked making it hard for him to keep up with his friends on long-distance flights. Hitcher arrived right at the end of our Flying Fox season, with local Flying Fox colonies moving to the coast or north for the winter looking for warmer weather and seeking native eucalypt blossom.
Hitcher was taken into care and was the first animal to try out our new Intensive Care Units (ICUs) for bats. The ICUs were able to be purchased thanks to funding received through the Wires National Grants program. The ICUs will be used to provide care to both Flying Foxes and microbats who are unwell and need careful temperature and humidity control while in care.
Hitcher remained in care with us until he was able to hitch a ride to Sydney with some other bats from ACT Wildlife. Hitcher is now in care with his new bat friends in Sydney and will remain in care for long-term rehabilitation.
Reminder
Never touch a Flying Fox or Microbat unless you have been fully vaccinated. Please call your local wildlife rescue organisation so a trained and vaccinated rescuer can assist.