BatPack

A wearable bat rescue kit for urban wildlife

BatPack is a wearable rescue system designed to enable rapid and delicate intervention for small bats in urban environments. In cities, situations such as entrapment, injury, or disorientation are common, yet the lack of suitable surfaces and tools for handling these fragile creatures poses a critical challenge. This project rethinks safe contact and controlled intervention by drawing on the biological and behavioral characteristics of bats.

The system consists of three main components integrated into a wearable belt: a detachable gripping accessory that supports the bat’s natural clinging reflex, a low-intensity illuminated finger brush, and a foldable mini stretcher. The gripping accessory allows the bat to hold on securely, while its soft structure ensures control without damaging delicate wings. Once stabilized, the bat is placed onto the easily deployable stretcher attached to the belt. Beneath it, a dimly lit compartment provides a sheltered space for both immediate intervention and temporary transport.

The product operates in two complementary scenarios: active rescue and passive capture. In the active rescue scenario, BatPack is used in immediate intervention cases where a bat is injured, trapped, or in distress. The wearable system allows the user to carefully secure the bat using the soft gripping accessory, transfer it onto the integrated stretcher, and perform initial assessment with minimal stress to the animal. In the passive capture scenario, the system is used in situations where the bat is present but not easily reachable or visible. The enclosed compartment is prepared as a sheltered, darkened micro-environment with a food incentive, encouraging the bat to enter voluntarily. Once inside, the compartment can be safely closed and used for later release or further handling.

Beyond immediate rescue, BatPack invites a more compassionate way of engaging with urban wildlife. It highlights the importance of small, thoughtful interventions in protecting fragile lives. In doing so, it repositions care as an integral part of everyday urban experience.