Last Summer day (22 September 2015). The very centre of Wroclaw – Plac Solny. A lady walking along the flower stands noticed a bat moving on the granite kerb. To seek help for the animal, the lady calls the City Guard and the Crisis Management Centre.

These institution often contat The PTPP “pro Natura” or volunteers trained in bat handling. They have specialist knowledge and appropriate permits (due to their research work or involvement into the project such as LIFE PODKOWIEC+), and when necessary, support from the veterinary service.

It seemed that the bat is a usual case – a Noctule, Pippistrelle or Serotine bat, species most often found in Wroclaw. But the sight of a small bat with long ears was a great surprise. It was the Bechstein’s bat, rare species, practically absent from urban areas, but living in the larger forest complexes. What it was doing in the city is unclear.

Many thanks go to the lady who found the bat, which would be deemed without such help. The animal was fed and watered, and will stay under observation for a few days. We hope that it will become strong enough to get released and will find a proper Winter refuge.

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