Over 150 Bat Pups Rescued Under Palm Frond in Collier County—Here's How Volunteers Saved the Day

Unexpected Discovery in Golden Gate

On July 4, a resident in Golden Gate, Collier County, noticed something unusual under a fallen palm frond: more than 150 tiny bat pups huddled on the ground. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s von Arx Wildlife Hospital responded promptly. Since bats can carry rabies without showing symptoms, responders advised the resident not to touch the pups and wait for professionals.

Triage at the Wildlife Hospital

When staff arrived, they confirmed that these were Brazilian free-tailed bat pups that had fallen from their roost. A total of 156 pups underwent health assessments at the hospital. Unfortunately, 11 pups suffered severe injuries and were humanely euthanized. But the remaining 145 were stabilized and prepared for renesting.

Renesting Mission: Tools and Teamwork

To help the pups reunite with their mothers, von Arx staff collaborated with Bat World Sanctuary in Texas for guidance. The solution included installing a bat box high up in the tree and outfitting a “pup catcher” beneath—essentially a soft drape to catch any falling bats and guide them back into position. Volunteers from Homegrown Tree Care helped install all the components.

Within two days, the pup catcher contained no bats, indicating successful reunification.

This rescue brought in the highest number of bat pups seen by von Arx Wildlife Hospital since 2017—an important case study in wildlife rehabilitation. Brazilian free-tailed bats nest in colonies during maternity season, and any disturbance during that time can result in mass displacement. The July timing put it well within Florida’s legal protection window for maternity colonies.

Wildlife Tips & Reminder

• If you find a fallen palm frond with bat pups beneath, do not touch them—reach out to professional rescues immediately.

• Sundays and holidays count too: if pups fall, volunteers may still assist outside standard business hours.

• Florida law generally prohibits excluding bats while pups are present (usually Apr 15–Aug 15). This case reinforces why awareness and proper protocol matter for both bat health and human safety.

Did You Know?

• Brazilian free-tailed bats rely on scent and vocal recognition—mothers can still find pups among a colony of hundreds.

• Most bat pups survive unless injured severely—which is why proper handling and fast action are crucial.

• Bat boxes and pup catchers offer humane, low-disruption methods to support renesting whether in response to storms or other nest collapses.