Did you know that the state of Nevada does not legally allow the rescue and rehabilitation of bats and other fur-bearing animals?

This prohibition has unintended consequences both for the safety of the public and the well-being of bats:

Without a legal rehabilitation pathway, injured or orphaned bats may be handled by untrained and unvaccinated individuals, putting people at risk and reducing the animals’ chances of recovery.

A regulated rehabilitation program would better protect people and wildlife.

Bats are essential to healthy ecosystems and human health. They control insect populations and reduce the use of pesticide, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds. However, since Nevada has yet to establish legal frameworks for bat rehabilitation, injured and orphaned bats have no way of getting help.

Recognizing the significance of bats, other states have successfully established licensed programs where trained professionals can conduct bat rescue and rehabilitation legally and safely. These setups ensure that animals receive vaccinations, proper medical care, and release back into the wild when they've recovered. By adopting similar legislation, Nevada can protect its citizens while fostering conservation efforts.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife is accepting recommendations to improve sections of Nevada Administrative Code chapters 488, 501, 502, 503, and 504 under Governor Lombardo’s Executive Order 2026-003.

The Commission will review all received recommendations and provide direction to the Department at the September 25 and 26 Commission meeting.

All recommendations should be made prior to September 8, 2026.

Join us in urging the State of Nevada to create a legislative plan for the establishment of legal rehabilitation programs for bats and other furbearing animals, and submit a recommendation to the NBWC and reference NAC 504.490 by signing this petition !