Barehanding an adult bat is not the norm, and red bats are particularly nervous. This lady, however seemed to enjoy her juicy mealworm feedings and as she got stronger she never got anxious about my involvement. She was released at the refuge in Medford, New Jersey (red bats are not territorial).
Several weeks later as I emerged from the hospital at the end of the day she was doing circle eights out front. This went on for quite a while. I like to think she stopped by to let me know she was doing fine and to thank me before moving to the lake for the bug fest. Every once in a while we connect with certain animals and it is a precious gift.