Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Silver-haired Bat

Let’s start 2025 with a resolution to keep wildlife safe.

Meet our first patient of 2025—a silver-haired bat, named for the striking silver tips on its black fur.

Sadly, this bat’s story is all too common. It was attacked by an indoor/outdoor cat that brought it into the owner’s home.

Cat attacks are the leading human-caused reason for wildlife deaths, surpassing even vehicle collisions. While unowned, free-roaming cats cause significant harm, most of the wildlife patients we treat come from attacks by owned indoor/outdoor pets.

Sadly, this bat’s injuries were too severe, and it passed away shortly after arriving at our center.

Because of the direct exposure to a domestic animal, the health department required rabies testing to ensure the cat could be properly cared for (results pending).

While rabies is a key concern, it’s important to remember that wild animals can carry a variety of diseases that pose risks to pets and humans—many of which are not routinely tested.

The best way to protect wildlife and pets is to keep cats indoors or limit their time outside to safe, enclosed spaces. Even indoor-only cats should stay up to date on rabies vaccinations, as small wildlife, like bats and mice, can occasionally find their way indoors.

When domestic animals attack wildlife, the responsibility lies with us.

Let’s make 2025 the year of change—resolve to protect your pets and your local wildlife by keeping cats indoors. Together, we can make a meaningful impact for animals like this silver-haired bat and the many others who call our shared world home.

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.