Wildlife and Animal Safety

UT’s campus is home to a variety of wildlife. While most animals can be safely observed from a distance, occasionally some may enter campus buildings or need assistance.

The Animal Make Safe program responds to certain live-animal incidents in university buildings 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained staff safely and humanely capture or remove animals as appropriate.

For guidance on animal-related concerns, visit Animal Issues - Who to call. For more information about animals used in research, visit Biological Safety / Humanized Animal Research.

Bats on Campus

Bats are commonly seen around Austin and on campus, especially during the spring and fall. Occasionally, they enter buildings or are found outdoors in need of assistance.

Never touch, handle, or attempt to capture a bat or any other wildlife. Keep a safe distance and call Animal Make Safe:

  • During business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.): (512) 471-3511 
  • After hours: (512) 471-2671 
Animal Make Safe serves The University of Texas at Austin main campus and satellite locations. For wildlife concerns elsewhere in Austin call 311, your local animal control office, or a  local wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.

If you have contact with a wild animal:

Bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes are considered high-risk species for rabies in Texas. A bite, scratch, or contact with an animal’s saliva or nervous system tissue constitutes a rabies exposure. If you are unsure whether contact occurred, treat the incident as a potential exposure. 

  • Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. 
  • Seek medical advice immediately after any animal bite as soon as possible.
  • Do not touch or attempt to capture any animal.
  • Call Environmental Health and Safety at (512) 471-3511 for guidance and to arrange for trained staff to collect the animal when possible for rabies testing.

During normal working hours staff can contact the Occupational Health Program, students can call University Health Services. Alternately, you can contact your personal health care provider. For after-hours information for staff, please refer to the Occupational Health Program website.

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