Is it okay to handle bats?

Short answer: NO, for several reasons.

1. They are protected by law. Only trained and licensed biologists may handle bats, and then only under permit.
2. They are fragile animals that can easily be harmed by inexperienced handlers.
3. Bats can carry rabies. While rabid bats are quite rare, bats are shy and any bat that you can easily catch is probably sick or injured and therefore has an increased probability of being dangerous to you.