A group of siblings were playing in their backyard when they spotted something impossibly small and fluffy tucked beneath their playhouse. As they looked closer, they realized the tiny creature wasn’t a toy at all — it was a grounded bat who clearly needed help.
One child ran inside to get their mom while the others stayed close, softly talking to the bat to keep him calm. Their mom quickly reminded them to keep a safe distance, explaining that wild animals shouldn’t be handled directly, and began calling around for professional help. Eventually, they were put in touch with Hally Cokenias, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and cofounder of Arizona Bat Rescue.
“She gave us the right instructions to handle him safely,” the siblings told The Dodo. “We wanted to make sure we did everything right.”
Following Cokenias’ guidance, the kids carefully placed the bat — whom they named Screechey — in the garage so he’d be warm, quiet and protected until he could be transferred to expert care.
While Screechey waited, the children kept a close watch on him. Wanting to send him off with something special, 8-year-old Caitlin decided to build him a tiny house. She decorated it with care, hoping he’d remember the family who looked out for him.
Once everything was ready, the family drove Screechey to Arizona Bat Rescue. Cokenias was deeply moved by the kids’ compassion and creativity — and she made sure to keep them updated on Screechey’s progress.
“I was so touched, it honestly made me tear up,” Cokenias told The Dodo. “Acts of kindness like this remind me why I do what I do. The little house is absolutely adorable — I’m keeping it forever.”
After a thorough exam, Cokenias determined that Screechey was a canyon bat — the smallest bat species in North America — weighing about the same as a single Hershey’s Kiss. Aside from being slightly underweight, he was perfectly healthy.
“He just needed some rest and a little extra food,” Cokenias said.
Not long after arriving, Screechey was strong enough to be released back into the wild, exactly where he belongs.
If the kids hadn’t noticed him when they did — and if they hadn’t known to call professionals — Screechey’s story could have ended very differently. Instead, thanks to their quick thinking and big hearts, a tiny bat got a second chance at life.
And his handmade house? It will now help comfort other bats in need — a small reminder of how kindness, even from kids, can make a huge difference.
If you’d like to help other bats in need, you can donate to Arizona Bat Rescue.
