I don’t know for certain the circumstances that led a bat to end up under a lawnmower that was being repaired, and got him covered with oil, but I’d bet there’s a cat involved. I was lying down, reading, and P. scared the hell out of me when he came in and said he’d found Herb. He had a pink towel in his hands, so I got right up. We had seen Herb earlier, but by the time I had bathwater ready, he’d moved and we didnt know where; probably up under the mower deck. Anyway, I have bathed a sugar-coated hummingbird, and as of today, I’ve also bathed an oil-covered bat. He’s currently hanging out (haha…hanging–get it?) on the sweetgum tree; hopefully, when dusk comes, he’ll fly away. Be free (and oil-free!), Herb!

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UPDATE: We were concerned when he didn’t take off right at dusk, but Herb the Bat left at some point in time after dark. I hope he’s alive and well, getting ready to swoop about the sky over our backyard, nomming bugs. Best of luck, Herb–I know you were a bite-y little shit because you were scared, but bathing you was the only thing that would help.