The quiet of the night is something many of us cherish, especially after a long day. It’s a time for rest, relaxation, and, for most, a peaceful slumber. But for one Australian couple, Lance and Christina, their nighttime tranquillity was disturbed by an unexpected visitor that turned their evening into a wildlife rescue mission.
It’s a tale that’s all too familiar in Australia, where the line between the great outdoors and our living rooms is sometimes blurred by the curious creatures that call this vast land home. As humans continue to expand into natural habitats, these encounters become more frequent, and sometimes, they can be downright startling.
On a seemingly ordinary Sunday night, Lance and Christina were nestled in their bed when a commotion erupted in their living room. The sound was enough to jolt them from their bed to investigate. With their dogs barking furiously—a sure sign that something was amiss—they discovered the source of the disturbance: a tiny bat had somehow found its way into their Gold Coast home.
The couple, no strangers to animals making unexpected house calls, were surprised to find this particular intruder flitting about. ‘We have no idea how it got in,’ Christina, a veterinarian, said. The bat had taken refuge behind a decorative ladder, and the couple knew they had to act quickly to guide their winged guest back to the wild.
With Lance’s towering 6-foot stature and Christina’s expertise, they were well-equipped for the task—albeit an unusual one. They took precautions, donning gloves to protect themselves, and used a duster and a towel in an attempt to usher the bat towards an exit. They even turned off all the lights, save for those illuminating the path to freedom, knowing that as nocturnal creatures, bats are drawn to the dark.
The chase ensued for over 20 minutes, with the bat making erratic flights from the ladder to the air conditioner. Finally, the bat settled on a hat hanging on the wall, allowing Lance to carefully capture it and release it outside.
While the couple’s actions may seem heroic, Christina’s professional background comes with a stark warning for fellow Australians: do not try this at home. Bats in Australia may not carry rabies, but a small percentage are carriers of the deadly lyssavirus. Rhiannon Traish-Walker, President of Bats QLD, has emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating that lyssavirus is a ‘silent disease until you develop symptoms’, and by then, it’s ‘too late’.
The advice is clear: if bitten, seek medical attention immediately to receive vaccinations. The rule of thumb is simple: ‘no touch, no risk’.
Christina and Lance’s encounter serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between our homes and the habitats we share with Australia’s wildlife. While their story had a happy ending, it’s important to remember that handling wild animals can be dangerous and is best left to the professionals.
Have you ever had a wild encounter in your home? How did you handle it? Share your stories with us in the comments below, and remember, safety first!
Also read: Fence or trap? The unseen danger on property that threatens wildlife
