BAT-1 -Bat Capture, Handling and Disease Prevention Requirements

This protocol establishes minimum standards for bat research activities to prevent disease transmission and ensure animal welfare. Exceptions to specific conditions may be authorized in writing within the permit body when scientifically justified. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department strongly recommends permit holders consult the current Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA). Voluntary Field Hygiene Guidance and are encouraged to share data from public lands with the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat).

Current Version: 1.0 - Effective: October 13, 2025

Previous Versions: none

Version 1.0

Protocol Requirements

White-Nose Syndrome

  • Condition BAT-1.1
    All equipment, mist nets, clothing, footwear and any materials used in the capture, handling or housing of bats shall be decontaminated between deployment sites following the most current National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol published by the White-Nose Syndrome Response Team (https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/_files/ugd/18444a_809d5f1c71f6483cb771de0728cab6cb.pdf).
  • Condition BAT-1.2
    Permit holders encountering WNS at-risk species with clinical signs of White-Nose Syndrome (e.g., fungus on muzzle, wings, or forearms) in counties without previous positive detections for that species shall notify TPWD within 48 hours by email at SRP@tpwd.texas.gov. Affected individuals may be euthanized following Condition BAT-1.9 and submitted to the National Wildlife Health Center for diagnostic testing.

Capture Equipment Operation

  • Condition BAT-1.3
    Deployed mist nets and harp traps shall be checked at intervals not exceeding 15 minutes and shall not be deployed during precipitation events or prior to sunset.

Bat Handling Standards

  • Condition BAT-1.4
    All personnel handling bats shall wear protective gloves appropriate for the species being handled. Individual bats shall not be handled for more than 45 minutes continuously.
  • Condition BAT-1.5
    Pregnant female bats or female bats with dependent young (including lactating females or females with attached pups) shall be immediately released upon discovery at the capture location.
  • Condition BAT-1.6
    All bats shall be released at the capture location prior to sunrise on the night of capture, except those authorized for collection or extended study under specific permit conditions.

Animal Welfare Requirements

  • Condition BAT-1.7
    Bats held for more than 3 hours or showing signs of torpor shall be offered water and food prior to release. Nectarivorous bats shall be offered sugar water. Insectivorous bats shall be offered mealworms (head removed and insides squeezed into mouth) or a 1:1 mix of unflavored hydrolyzed whey protein and water. Bats shall not be force-fed, and all food debris shall be cleaned from the muzzle and fur prior to release.
  • Condition BAT-1.8
    If a bat shows signs of significant distress or injury (including but not limited to abrasions, agonal breathing or physical trauma) during handling, processing shall cease immediately; and the bat shall be either rested and released, transported to a permitted rehabilitator or humanely euthanized if authorized by the permit.
  • Condition BAT-1.9
    Euthanasia, when necessary and expressly authorized by the permit, shall be performed using isoflurane anesthesia in a closed container, with cervical dislocation or thoracic chest compressions as approved secondary methods only after anesthetization.