Bat found in boot of car in Hartlepool after 500-mile journey from France

Animal is expected to join local colony, RSPCA says

A bat has been found in a car boot of a vehicle that travelled to the UK from France (RSPCA/SWNS)

A bat has been discovered in a car boot in County Durham after the vehicle had travelled over to the north of England from France.

The animal was found in a brand new red Vauxhall SUV which had made an 800km (500 mile) journey to Hartlepool for display in a showroom. It is not clear whether the bat was in the car for its entire journey.

Staff at the car dealership got a surprise when they went to inpect the vehicle and found the bat in the boot.

They kept the animal in a cardboard box until Shane Lynn, an RSPCA animal collection officer, arrived to rescue it.

"The little pipistrelle bat seems to be a real joker and has travelled at least 800km from his home in the boot," Mr Lynn said.

He added: "The bat - around 10cm big - was found when the car arrived at the showroom and staff had quite the fright.

"Luckily, despite his adventure, he didn't seem to be too worse for wear."

The animal had stowed away in the boot of a Vauxhall Grandland X which had been manufactured in France, the RSPCA said.

Mr Lynn took the bat, who seemed lethargic, to a local vet, and alerted the Bat Conservation Trust.

"It's always really rewarding when we can help an animal in need and ensure they're safe and well," he said.

"This little one is now with a bat carer and will be released back into the wild once he's strong and healthy enough."

He said pipistrelle bats are common in the UK.

"He should join a local colony and do well," Mr Lynn said.