How bat wings can heal themselves

Stitches and glue can be ineffective
October 2011: Certain bats will be spreading their previously-torn wings after a new way of treating them was discovered.

A bat carer, based at an RSPCA wildlife centre found that even the most dramatic of tears can heal themselves with some tender loving care.

BEFORE: The bat has a huge tear in its wing

Sarah Goodwin, from Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire, said that the usual veterinary technique of stitching or glueing such tears could cause issues with the bats removing stitches or glue when grooming.

Good food and plenty of rest
She instead decided to care for bats that came into her care with wing injuries by keeping them warm, giving them antibiotics and feeding them vitamin and mineral-rich food. The veterinary nurse also restricted their flight and gave them time to rest and heal.

In nearly all cases she found that the wings had healed back together of their own accord.

'I couldn't believe how fast the wings grew back together'
Sarah said: ‘I just couldn't believe how fast the wings grew back together. It was amazing. All they needed was a bit of rest and care and their wing membranes healed all by themselves - ready for them to fly back safely into the wild.'

The bats in the ‘Heal to Fly' project had been injured in various ways, including attacks from cats. Out of the nine bats which have been admitted with severe wing tears over the past year, five have been returned to the wild, and two died from other injuries. The remaining two are still in care but Sarah is hopeful that they can be returned to the wild soon.

AFTER: The bat wing heals – yet no glue or stiches  were used to bind the torn membrane together

On average it took around eight weeks for the healing process to work. Before they were released back to the wild, the bats were given increasing flight practice to build up their strength.

'This gives injured bats a second chance'
Since they were all adults, it is hoped their chances of survival back in nature are equivalent to those who have not been injured.

Sarah said: ‘They already knew how to fly before they were injured, and would not have lost this skill despite their time in captivity.

‘We are all really excited by the results so far. They will have far-reaching consequences to the way we and other bat carers care for bats and will give bats with such injuries a second chance.'