Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary warn of common household item hurting bats

A common household item has been warned to be “notoriously problematic” after a tiny bat was left fighting for its life and covered in toxic glue. VIDEO + BONORONG’S WARNING >>

A tiny bat found caught in a sticky flypaper trap – covered in glue and fighting for life – has prompted a warning from Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to choose environmentally friendly pest control.

The bat, which has been named Clarence, is forest bat which was found stuck in a flypaper trap in Franklin.

Clarence was taken to Bonorong’s wildlife clinic covered in glue, where he was washed several times.

Clarence the bat was rescued after getting caught in a sticky flypaper trap. Pic: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

He’s now been being cared for by a bat rehabilitator for the rest of his recovery, before he can be released.

“Sticky flypaper traps are notoriously problematic for microbats, as unfortunately the bats will follow insects onto them,” A spokesperson said on the sanctuary’s Facebook page.

Dr Evie Clarke with Clarence the bat, who was rescued after getting caught in a sticky flypaper trap. Pic: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

“Sadly, the chances of survival for bats after being stuck in these traps is very low, as when the bat struggles to remove itself from the paper it can fracture the delicate bones of its wings or tear holes in the wing membrane.

“If it does free itself, it will begin grooming, which results in ingestion of the toxic glue.”

Bonorong said flypaper traps should be avoided, but if they must be used, they should be placed in a wire cage to stop bats from touching them.

Originally published as Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary warn of common household item hurting bats