Community members are being reminded about the danger of bats after a boy was scratched by a flying fox near Crows Nest while attempting to rescue it.

William, aged 14, was scratched by the flying fox while attempting to free it from a barbed wire fence on the family’s property near Crows Nest, on 10 October.

The family’s well-intentioned intervention led to potential exposure of fatal infections, such as Australian bat lyssavirus, and a series of medical treatments.

William’s father, Mark said while the family had the bat’s best interests in mind, they weren’t aware of the risks involved.

“We didn’t want the flying fox to suffer, and we still wouldn’t, but after seeing William need painful injections and a series of vaccinations for all of us, we now understand the risks and would get advice first in future,” Mark said.

“If you want to help wildlife, contact specialists or your vet before you touch anything. It’s better to be informed and protected than to become a patient yourself.”

After enduring five injections to treat a bat scratch, William has a word of caution for would-be rescuers.

“The bat was cute and I felt bad for the little fella but after receiving the painful shots, I’d say to others – don’t do it!”

The attempted rescue of the entangled flying fox has become a public-health warning about handling bats.

Darling Downs Health Public Health Physician, Dr Alan Lam said compassion is instinctive, but a single scratch or bite can expose people to serious, potentially fatal infections.

“While there is the temptation to help sick or injured bats or flying foxes, it is imperative that people do not touch them unless they are appropriately protected,” Dr Lam said.

“This protection includes vaccinations for rabies, appropriate training in bat handling and the use of personal protective equipment.

“Bats and flying foxes may carry bacteria or viruses, including the deadly Australian bat lyssavirus,” he said.

The reminder comes as a number of people throughout the State have been scratched or bitten by bats or flying foxes recently, which is more common during hot weather.

Dr Lam said transmission of lyssavirus from bats to humans was from saliva usually through a bite or scratch and there is a single solution to avoid exposure.

The townships of Westbrook, Wyreema, Cambooya, Greenmount, East Greenmount and Nobby all fall under Urban Flying-Fox Management Areas (UFFMAs).

Only local councils are authorised as-of-right under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to manage, flying-fox roosts that fall within UFFMAs.

Injured or sick bats or flying foxes can be reported to the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625), Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (1300 130 372) or your local wildlife care group/rescuer/carer.

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 13 November 2025.