Scores of north-east bat enthusiasts will be getting in a flap today as the region hosts its first conference on caring for the winged mammals.
About 50 people are expected to descend on the Ferguson building at Scotland’s Rural College’s Craibstone Campus for the event.
With Halloween just around the corner, the volunteers from all corners of the north-east registered to attend and find out more about becoming bat carers.
They hope to be able to pass on their skills to the public on what to do if they find an injured bat.
Dr Amanda Wilson, from Balmedie, is a volunteer for the Bat Conservation Trust and will be at today’s conference, which will run from 10am-4pm.
She said “This is a very exciting time for us here in north-east Scotland.
“For years there have been very few bat carers, which can make the summer months challenging, but it seems things are about to get a lot busier.
“Bats are surprisingly low maintenance compared with other injured wild animals, and they have great personalities, which means that with some training, it is very easy to get involved.
“Scotland’s Rural College have very kindly donated the use of their facilities for the conference and we are also delighted to be joined by a group of their animal care students, who hope to add this unique skill of caring for bats to their repertoire”.
Anyone finding a grounded or injured bat should call 0345 1300228 to get contact details for their closest bat care volunteer.
