At Misfits Rehab in Maine, orphaned bats wrapped in tiny blankets are winning hearts online. But those adorable bundles serve a real purpose. Called “bat wraps,” they mimic the comfort of a mother’s wing.
In nature, baby bats cling to their mothers constantly. When they’re orphaned, the separation is traumatic. The wraps offer warmth, reduce stress, and help the pups relax enough to feed and grow. They’re more than cute, they’re crucial.
A viral video from Misfits Rehab shows bat pups swaddled and sucking on pacifiers as caregiver Jennifer Marchigiani feeds them. It’s calming for the bats and viewers alike. The method works. Soft wraps and gentle handling help the babies survive until they’re strong enough to fly.
Wildlife rehabbers use similar tricks for many species. Orphaned joeys rest in cloth pouches. Baby monkeys cling to stuffed animals. It’s all about recreating the sense of being held.
Why touch matters
For bats, touch is everything. The pressure of the wrap simulates their mother’s embrace. It reduces anxiety, helps with digestion, and encourages feeding. Pacifiers mimic nursing and give the pups something to latch onto.
Jennifer Marchigiani runs Misfits Rehab from her home, caring for animals like skunks, porcupines, and bats. Her goal is always release. She bottle-feeds pups around the clock, paying most of the costs herself.
The emotional bond is strong, but temporary. Letting them go is hard, but it means she’s done her job. The bat burritos are part of that journey.
Bats don’t usually get much love. But wrapped in flannel, they’ve gone from feared to adored. Social media has helped change minds and brought attention to animals often overlooked.
The bat burrito isn’t just viral cuteness. It’s a story of care, recovery, and second chances. When these pups take flight again, they leave behind more than an empty wrap. They carry a story of compassion into the night.
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