NAPLES, Fla. (WFLA) — A tiny bat began its journey to recovery at a Florida wildlife rehabilitation center this week after it was found on a sidewalk unable to move.
In a social media post, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida said the evening bat was the smallest animal admitted to its wildlife hospital within the past week.
According to wildlife specialists at the center in Naples, evening bats can easily be mistaken for young brown bats, but brown bats are much larger in size when fully grown.
In fact, the evening bat is one of Florida's smallest bats, with a wingspan of just 10 to 11 inches and weight of around 7 to 14 grams.
Officials at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida said the small bat that was brought into their facility is "getting stronger every day."
The bat was videoed enjoying a few mealworms on Tuesday — one of the first meals the tiny creature had been able to eat on its own since arriving.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida's von Arx Wildlife Hospital is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 365 days a year to help care for sick, injured or orphaned animals.
Over 4,000 animals are admitted to the wildlife hospital each year.
Anyone who spots an animal in need can contact 239-272-2263 for assistance.