A veterinary volunteer in Corsham is caring for a critically endangered bat that was attacked by a cat.

Emma White, a member of the Wiltshire Bat Group, was given the rare Bechstein’s Bat on Saturday, September 28.

She said: “It was found in Corsham on Saturday after a member of public brought it to me after it was injured by a cat.

“He has a few small holes in his wing but is otherwise well and currently on medication for a week before hopefully being released.

The injured Bechstein's bat has holes in its wing after being attacked by a cat.The injured Bechstein's bat has holes in its wing after being attacked by a cat. (Image: Emma White)

“He is a good weight of 8.9 grams and is currently feeding really well," said Emma, who works for George Vets in Malmesbury.

Bechstein’s bats are one of the rarest mammals in the UK, with a total population of only around 22,000.

“That may seem a lot but it is not a lot compared to the common Pipistrelle bats which has a UK population of around three million,” Emma said.

“I’m a Registered Vet Nurse but also I’m part of the UK Bat Care Network where I volunteer for Wiltshire Bat Group to treat injured bats and release them back into the wild."