We rescue, rehabilitate, and release orphaned and injured bats across Central Texas — 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Every bat rescued is a story. Every conflict resolved is a relationship saved. Every radar reading is science in action.
We rescue and rehabilitate injured and orphaned bats 24/7 — the only alternative to euthanasia for bats across nine counties in Central Texas. Each animal receives individualized care until it's ready to return to the wild.
24/7 Emergency CareHumane solutions when humans and bats share space. We consult with homeowners, businesses, and local governments — protecting both people and bats. Exclusion planning and site consultations available at $175/hour.
Exclusion ConsultingPublic programs bring bats to life for every audience — school visits, corporate events, and Master Naturalist training. We promote appreciation for bats as crucial ecosystem engineers. Corporate presentations from $1,200.
Schools · Events · TrainingSince 2011 we compile nightly NEXRAD radar data covering the Significant Bat Area of Central Texas — one of the most comprehensive bat population datasets in the world, tracking 15 years of emergence patterns.
NEXRAD · Since 2011The Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin hosts the world's largest urban bat colony — Mexican free-tailed bats that arrive in mid-March and migrate south in October. Watching the emergence is one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in North America.
Stay calm. Bats rarely approach humans unprompted — if one is on the ground or in an unusual location, it's likely injured and needs urgent help. Do not handle with bare hands. Follow these steps immediately.
Never handle a bat with bare hands. Use gloves, a thick towel, or folded cloth. Avoid any contact with saliva. A bat on the ground during daytime is not normal.
Place a box or container over the bat. Slide a piece of cardboard underneath. Poke small air holes in the lid. Keep in a quiet, warm, dark spot away from pets and children.
Call our 24/7 rescue line immediately. Don't attempt to feed the bat or give water. Our team will walk you through the next steps and coordinate a handoff with a trained rescuer.
Austin Bat Refuge operates entirely on donations, volunteer labor, and small consulting fees. We receive no government funding. Your support is what keeps our rescue lines open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.