Lincoln Wildlife Rehab Repairs Bat Wing Fracture

A big brown bat is recovering after sustaining injuries from a broom strike.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Wildlife

Gouache-painted illustration of a single brown bat wing, evoking a quiet, empathetic tone toward the wildlife rehabilitation process. — A big brown bat is recovering at the Nebraska Wildlife Rehab after sustaining a wing fracture during an encounter in a Lincoln home. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Nebraska Wildlife Rehab recently treated a big brown bat that suffered an open humeral fracture after a resident struck it with a broom. The creature was found in a local home living room before undergoing surgery.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the common conflicts that can occur when wildlife enters residential spaces, leading to accidental injuries for both animals and residents. Such encounters often result from the animal seeking shelter or navigating indoor environments.

The bat sustained an open humeral fracture and multiple wing tears during the encounter. Veterinarians successfully stabilized the wing by inserting a 0.028-inch pin and providing therapeutic laser treatments.

The players

Nebraska Wildlife Rehab

This local organization specializes in the rescue, medical treatment, and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wild animals found across the region.

The details

The bat was struck while in flight by a resident who was acting out of fear when the animal appeared in the living room. Following the injury, the bat required specialized care to address the severe damage to its skeletal and tissue structure.

The medical report detailing the treatment was published in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This incident follows a pattern set by the human-wildlife conflict patterns documented in urban wildlife research by demonstrating how fear often dictates immediate responses in residential encounters. It reflects a growing societal awareness of the need for professional intervention in animal rescue.

Residents should contact professional rehabilitation services if they discover injured wildlife in their homes rather than attempting to handle or remove the animals themselves. This practice reduces the risk of further injury to the animal and minimizes the potential for human exposure to disease.

The takeaway

When unexpected wildlife enters a living space, the safest response is to calmly isolate the animal and call a professional rescue organization. Taking a proactive, non-aggressive approach protects both the inhabitant and the creature from unnecessary harm.