This message was provided by Darryl Coates, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, District Wildlife Biologist.
In Illinois, bats are protected under the wildlife game code. Illinois Department of Natural resource recommendations as follows:
If a bat accidentally enters your home, do not panic. If the bat has not bitten anyone, here are the steps to take:
Stay calm. Do not knock the bat out of the air and do not attempt to handle or catch the bat.
In an enclosed area a bat will make sharp turns while flying and may appear to swoop down at you. The bat is not trying to attack you, it is simply trying to get its bearings so that it can find its way back outside.
Confine the bat to a room with outdoor access. Close doors to keep the bat confined to one room.
Open a window or door to the outside and leave the room.
Allow the bat time to escape (this may take a few hours if the bat is disoriented). Keep children and pets out of the room until you are sure the bat is gone.
Or
A homeowner may wish have the bats removed by a wildlife professionals certified by the State to remove bats. Wildlife professionals like United Bat Control are allowed to remove bats, transport and release bats as long as the bat has not bitten anyone.
If the bat bites a human or a pet, do not allow the bat to escape, keep the bat enclosed in the room. Call the local Department of Animal Control to have an officer capture the bat. If the bat has bitten a human or a pet it will need to be tested for rabies. If a bat has been near sleeping people, especially children, it should be tested for rabies. Bat bites are small, and the person may not realize that they have been bitten. It is better to err on the side of caution and have the bat tested. Testing is done on the dead bat’s brain so it is important not to damage the carcass before testing. If the bat tests positive for rabies, medical attention is needed. A series of rabies vaccine, given as shots in the arm, will need to be given. Thank you for writing in.
