There are 17 species of microbats in the Eurobodalla Shire.

Recently, a woman noticed a young magpie harassing a small creature on the ground.

The Far South Coast WIRES branch received the call to rescue the creature which was a Lesser Long Eared Bat.

"That's how 'Stevie' came into care," a Wires spokesperson said.

"He soon developed a black eye from his ordeal which was treated by his carer, using a very fine paint brush to apply the ointment.

"Stevie also had a problem with one wing limiting his movement, so was kept in a special small indoor aviary with a heat pad and draped polar fleece suspended to tuck into.

"He was hand fed initially because of the tenderness caused by the bruising. He quickly adapted to eating mealworms by himself."

When Stevie was well enough, the spokesperson said he entered his final stage of rehabilitation and went into a large specially designed aviary to help develop his wing muscles and coordination, ready for release.

"Lucky for Stevie and all microbats, they are protected, meaning it is illegal to injure or kill them or to disturb or damage their roosts," the spokesperson said.

"Many species are vulnerable, meaning they are at risk of extinction if their habitat is not protected.

"All bats, including microbats and flying foxes must be handled by a trained and vaccinated Wires volunteer."

If you find a microbat in distress, call WIRES on 1300 094 737.

You can support the local WIRES branch by choosing to donate at Return and Earn machines at Catalina, Moruya and Narooma.