Exploring North American Bat Diversity

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Bats have been given a bit of a bad reputation by the horror industry. They’re portrayed as spooky and are one of the main features of Halloween. But these cute creatures are anything but scary, and here in North America, there are lots of species you can look out for.
About North American Bats

There are around 1300 species of bat on planet Earth and as many as 47 of these can be found in the United States. These species are split between five different subfamilies of bats which include Vespertilionidae, Mormoopidae, Molossidae, Pteropopidae, and Phyllostomidae.
What’s truly fascinating about bats is their uniqueness; they are the only type of mammal that’s able to fly and they’re from the order Chiroptera which translates to mean hand wing.
Bats are insectivores in most cases, although there are three species that feed on flowers. The bats that prey on insects may be small in size but they eat a lot with a single bat being able to manage up to 0.28 ounces (8 grams) of food every night. It might not sound like a lot but consider that their bodies are no bigger than your thumb!
You’ll find North American bats living in sheltered locations. The portrayal that they are cave dwellers isn’t wrong, and they’ll hide out in caves during the day. However, they might also take shelter in trees, under bridges, and in crevices in the rocks. Being nocturnal, they emerge at night to hunt and find their way around using echolocation, which they also use as a form of communication.
Types of North American Bats
North America is home to a variety of bat species and they’re all unique and interesting in their own way. Let’s get better acquainted with some of the United States’ most adorable and fascinating bats.
1. Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)

The little brown bat is one of the most widespread species of bat on the entire continent of North America. They’re probably also one of the most well-recognized and are actually very useful to humans. That’s because of its feisty appetite and one bat can consume as many as 1200 creepy crawlies in just 60 minutes!
Little brown bats, part of the Vespertilionidae family, are one of the smallest species and while they are not endangered, they do face threats from white-nose syndrome.
Appearance
The little brown bat, as its name would suggest, has brown glossy fur that can range between tan, olive, and reddish brown. These are incredibly small bats that don’t get bigger than an adult human thumb and usually weigh just a quarter of an ounce.
They have small ears, large hind feet, and hairless wings. There aren’t many differences between females and males, although the females tend to be a bit larger.
Habitat
During the day, little brown bats will roost in sheltered locations which can include in the eaves of a roof, in trees, or between rocks, among other places. During the winter, these bats will hibernate and they’ll cluster together in caves and old mines in order to stay warm.
Range
The little brown bat is incredibly widespread and can be found pretty much all over North America, from Canada and Alaska as far down as Mexico. However, the species is largely absent from the northern parts of Canada.
2. Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

We’ve met the little brown bat, now let’s meet the big brown bat. As you might imagine, this species is larger than its aforementioned cousin. They are, however, still part of the Vespertilionidae family and feed on a diet of insects, including ants, mayflies, moths, and beetles.
The big brown bats are a relatively common species and are not considered to be under any threat. However, many people come into conflict with them when they’re discovered nesting in buildings or on agricultural land. However, research has shown that they could be beneficial to agriculture, so farmers are being encouraged to leave them alone.
Appearance
The big brown bat measures between 4.3 and 5.1 inches (10.9 and 13 cm) in length and has a wingspan of around 12 to 13 inches (30 to 33 cm). Not only are they larger in size than the little brown bat, but they’re also heavier, with most individuals weighing around 0.5 to 0.9 ounces (15 to 26 grams), although females are slightly bigger.
These bats have small ears and copper colored fur, although the fur on the underside is generally much lighter. But one of their most distinguishing features is their broad nose which looks too large for their face.
Habitat
The big brown bat isn’t fussy about where it lives and can be found in a variety of habitats, including open grasslands, forests, and even in urban areas where they’re often found roosting in buildings or roofs.
Range
The big brown bat is a widespread species that is found across North America, including Canada, the USA, Mexico, and right the way down into South America. It’s thought that there are now some established colonies on islands off the coast of North America, including Jamaica and Cuba.
3. Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)

The Northern long-eared bat, a member of the Vespertilionidae family, is sometimes called the whispering bat. That’s because of how quietly they use their echolocation to hunt prey and navigate the world.
This species is insectivorous and will chow down on a huge feast before hibernation in order to almost double their body weight to survive the cold months.
Sadly, these bats are considered to be threatened due to their susceptibility to white-nose syndrome as well as the timber industry, which is causing habitat loss.
Appearance
When these bats lie their ears flat, they extend past the front of the head. It’s these long ears that give the bat its name and are one of the most easily identifiable features of the species.
Northern long-eared bats have light brown fur and are medium-sized species that grow up to 0.3 ounces (9 grams). However, as with many other bats, the females are usually a little bigger than the males.
Habitat
You will find Northern long-eared bats mainly in forest habitats, where they like to roost in hardwood trees throughout the summer. However, when winter comes around, the bats will enter cave systems, where they will hibernate during the colder months.
Range
The Northern long-eared bat can be found mainly in the eastern parts of the United States and Canada, typically between Newfoundland and Alabama.
4. Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis)

The evening bat is part of the Vespertilionidae family and is a small species found mainly in the United States, although there has been a report of sightings as far north as Ontario. But this is rare. They are insectivorous bats whose diet is largely made up of beetles.
These bats have good distribution and are therefore not widely considered to be under threat. However, there are some areas, such as Indiana, where populations are lower than expected, and they are therefore listed as endangered here.
Appearance
Evening bats are pretty small, not typically growing bigger than 4 inches (10 cm), and that’s at the more extreme end of the scale. While they are sometimes confused with the big brown bat, evening bats tend to be a little smaller and do not have a keel on the calcar. They have relatively long, pointed black ears and dark brown fur.
Habitat
The evening bat enjoys a forest habitat but it can also be widely found in open areas, especially around rivers. They roost exclusively in trees and are one of the species that are never found in caves.
Range
The evening bat is found only in the United States and isn’t a very widespread species. It is not found any further north than the Great Lakes and reaches as far south as Florida. During winter, northern bats will migrate south, where the males and females will come together. However, the males do not return north in spring.
5. Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)

The hoary bat is one of the most common in North America and it’s also one of the most adorable. However, while they are widespread, it’s not very often you’ll see them as they’re very timid and solitary animals. That said, it is possible to catch a glimpse of them in early winter as they make their migration.
These bats are part of the Vespertilionidae family and were discovered in 1796. They’re fortunately not under any kind of significant threat, but wind turbines can be a problem, with around 1000 hoary bats being killed by them in a typical year.
Appearance
Hoary bats have a wide wingspan of about 19 inches (40 cm), and their bodies can get as large as 6 inches (14.5 cm). They have very thick brown fur that’s mottled with gray, and some describe this as looking as though the bat is frosted. While there’s not a great difference between males and females, the females are typically almost twice as heavy.
Habitat
The hoary bat is a tree-dwelling species, and it will spend most of its time roosting high in the trees, around 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.6 meters) up. However, there are reports of some hoary bats living in caves, although this isn’t common for the species.
Range
Hoary bats are among the most widespread in North America and can be found in Canada, the United States, and even down into the northern parts of South America. There have been some claims that the bats have established in Hawaii but this has not been officially recorded. In winter, the bats move further south.
6. Big Free-Tailed Bat (Nyctinomops macrotis)

The big free-tailed bat is an insectivore that feeds on a variety of creatures, such as ants, stink bugs, and crickets, but their favorite food is moths. While these are an incredibly attractive species of bats, it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter one as they are very solitary and rarely spotted.
Part of the Molossidae family, big free-tailed bats are a widespread species that are not considered to be under threat. However, they are classed as a Special Status Species in Colorado and Utah.
Appearance
Unlike the majority of bat species, it’s the male big free-tailed bats that are larger and they can grow up to 6 inches (16 cm), whereas females don’t usually get much larger than 5.5 inches (14 cm) at most.
The back of the bat is covered in dark fur, but the underside is much lighter. Where some species have very soft, glossy fur, the big free-tailed bat is much oilier.
They have long, narrow wings that lack hair and extended tails.
Habitat
These bats prefer rocky habitats where they will roost in crevices. In winter, they tend to migrate further south to roost and may sometimes be found in old buildings or in trees and desert shrubs. They also enjoy arid regions and grasslands.
Range
The big free-tailed bat is one of the more widespread species. While it is common in the southern half of the USA and Mexico, it is not usually found in Canada or the northern United States. The bat is also found in many of the countries of South America, including Argentina, Brazil, and Guyana, among others.
7. Mexican Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)

The Mexican free-tailed bat is part of the Molossidae family and is a small bat species that was only recently discovered in 1938. However, just fifty years down the line, the bat had become endangered, and it’s thought that there are only around 5000 left in the wild.
These bats are insectivores that prey on moths, beetles, ants, flies, and other bugs using echolocation. They’ll usually locate their prey from the air, flying as high as 49 feet (15 meters) when hunting.
Appearance
Mexican free-tailed bats have brown to grayish fur, and some individuals may have a reddish hue. They’re small bats that typically weigh no more than a pencil and whose bodies are 3.5 inches (9 cm) in size.
The females are a little heavier than the males owing to additional fat stores, but both genders have distinctly large ears, especially in comparison to the size of their heads.
Habitat
Mexican free-tailed bats like to live near bodies of water as these attract their insect prey, which makes it easier for them to hunt. During the day, they can be found roosting primarily in caves, but may choose to hide out in attics, or old buildings.
Range
With a name like the Mexican free-tailed bat, one might assume that this species is endemic to Mexico. While they do migrate here during winter, in summer, they can be found throughout the western parts of the United States as well as in parts of South America.
8. Southern Yellow Bat (Lasiurus ega)

The southern yellow bat is a solitary mammal that only really socializes when it comes to breeding season. They will also flock together in their hundreds when it’s time to migrate but will otherwise hunt and live alone.
They feed on insects and are considered an excellent natural pest controller. However, the species is considered to be threatened in some areas, most notably Texas, owing to severe problems with white-nose syndrome.
Appearance
Southern yellow bats are a mid-sized species that can get as heavy as 0.5 ounces (14 grams). Like other yellow bat species, their tails are entirely covered in fur; their fur is a sooty yellowish color. They have small rounded ears and a short snout, and while they’re often confused with the northern yellow bat, they’re usually a lot smaller with smaller forearms.
Habitat
The southern yellow bat likes to roost among the trees, and so can usually be found in forested habitats. They particularly enjoy roosting in palm trees.
Range
The southern yellow bat is mainly found in Central America in Mexico, and its range extends down into South America. However, the species is also found in some of the southern United States, including Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico.
9. Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus)

The pallid bat is sometimes referred to as the desert bat, and this is an insectivorous species that feeds on scorpions. This largely depends on the time of year and availability, but it’s thought that as much as 70% of the pallid bat’s diet is made up of scorpions.
These bats are a part of the Vespertilionidae family and are a close relative of Van Gelder’s bat. What’s really interesting is that it has its own unique way of hunting using only its sense of hearing, where other bats would rely on echolocation.
Pallid bats mate in the fall but store sperm over the winter. When the females emerge from hibernation, they go through a process called estrus before giving birth to typically one or two young.
Appearance
Pallid bats are among some of the smallest, and their bodies don’t get much bigger than around 2.75 inches (7 cm). However, their wings can spread up to 15 inches (38 cm).
The snout of the pallid bat doesn’t look all that dissimilar to that of a pig, and it certainly gives the bat its unique appearance. The fur is quite light in color, but it paler at the roots and gets slightly darker towards the tip.
They have long ears, which help when hunting their prey using their sense of hearing.
Habitat
The pallid bat is often found close to a water source but they tend to frequent arid or semi-arid regions. They’ll also be found in rocky or mountainous areas as well as open grasslands.
These are nocturnal creatures that will take shelter in crevices during the day and may even hide out in hollow trees.
Range
Pallid bats are found all along the western side of North America, from Canada all the way down to Mexico. While there have been some isolated colonies found in places like Oklahoma, this isn’t common.
10. Western Small-Footed Bat (Myotis ciliolabrum)

The western small-footed bat is a species that is mainly found in the USA and Canada. While the species did have some reason to be listed as threatened, there was not enough supporting evidence, so they are therefore a Category 2 species.
These bats are insectivores whose diet consists of critters such as beetles and flies, but their main prey are moths. They’re part of the Vespertilionidae family and are sometimes called the western small-footed myotis.
Appearance
The western small-footed bat has yellowish brown colored fur and is one of the smaller species found in North America. It doesn’t usually weigh much more than 0.18 ounces (5 grams), although the females are typically larger than the males.
These bats have long, narrow ears and hairless black wings giving them the appearance of what someone might think of when they imagine a bat. They don’t have the largest wingspan compared to other bat species, with the average being around 9 inches (24 cm).
Habitat
Unlike a lot of bat species, the western small-footed bat does not roost in trees. Instead, it’ll hang onto rocky cliff faces and other surfaces and is commonly found near a source of water. This is because of the high insect population, which is the main part of its diet.
Range
As you can probably guess from their name, western small-footed bats are primarily found in the western parts of the USA and Canada. They’re common as far north as Saskatchewan and as far south as Baja.
11. California Leaf-Nosed Bat (Macrotus californicus)

The California leaf-nosed bat is one of the longest-living mammals and can survive for up to 20 years in the wild. These bats also have some of the best hearing in the animal kingdom. Being insectivores, this is useful, and they’re said to even be able to detect the footsteps of their prey!
The California leaf-nosed bat belongs to the Phyllostomidae family and is one of the only species to remain active all year without migrating or hibernating. It would be nearly impossible for them to hibernate owing to their short wingspan.
Appearance
California leaf-nosed bats take their name from the leaf-like projection on the nose. It’s also easy to identify because of its enormous ears and short wings. The fur is usually gray or brown in color.
Habitat
These bats like to roost in caves and old mines during the day. At night it’ll come out to hunt and it remains active all year round.
Range
As you can imagine from its name, the California leaf-nosed bat is found primarily in California, including Southern California and Baja. However, it is also common in Arizona and southern parts of Nevada.
12. Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)

The gray bat, a member of the Vespertilionidae family, is one of the longest-living bats with some individuals able to survive up to 17 years in the wild. They are unique in that they largely depend on caves for roosting and shelter and aren’t generally found outside, apart from when hunting.
While they do head out to hunt at night, these bats also feed in the cave thanks to small critters like chiggers that live in their fur. They eat these while grooming and will even consume their fur during their annual molt.
Appearance
While they are called gray bats, this species only has gray fur in the summer when they molt. Prior to this, their fur is a russet shade. This is a larger species that can weigh up to 0.6 ounces (16 grams) and get as long as 4 inches (10 cm).
Habitat
The gray bat is one of the only bat species that only live in caves or cave-like environments. You’ll never find them nesting in abandoned buildings or your roof so humans don’t often come into contact with them. What’s even more interesting is that, due to the limited range of these bats, there are only eight to nine caves where as many as 95% of the population can be found.
Range
Gray bats are only found in the southeastern parts of the United States and are common in Missouri, Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee. While not as common, there are some reports of colonies in Georgia and Florida.
13. Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis)

The eastern red bat is part of the Vespertilionidae family and is a mid-sized migratory species found across North America. They are sometimes called tree bats simply because of their preference for roosting in trees and were discovered back in the 1700s.
Much like other species of bat, the eastern red bat is a nocturnal animal that comes out at night in search of food. Its diet consists of insects and they’ll primarily hunt where there is light. It’s for this reason that they’re commonly found around insect light traps, although they will hunt up to 1,640 feet (500 meters) from the source of light.
Appearance
These mid-sized bats can grow to larger than 4 inches (11 cm) which is bigger than a lot of the species I have discussed here. They normally weigh between 0.2 and 0.5 ounces (7 and 13 grams), and unlike a lot of bats, there’s not much size difference between genders.
However, you will notice that the females have a more frosted appearance than the males. But in all cases, the fur is a brick-red color with the underside being slightly lighter.
Habitat
The eastern red bat is found in more quiet locations and it’s very rare you’ll see them in urban spaces. They like to roost in the foliage of deciduous trees and can sometimes be found nesting in evergreen species.
Range
The range of the eastern red bat is pretty wide and they can be found from southern Canada, through the United States, and down into Mexico. There are also reports of the bats occurring in Bermuda. These bats are known for their long-distance migration and northern residents will typically flock to Florida in the winter.
14. Lesser Long-Nosed Bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae)

The lesser long-nosed bat is a small North American bat species that, up until recently, was considered endangered. At one point, there were only 1000 of these bats from the Phyllostomidae family left. However, it’s thought that there are now around 200,000 in the wild.
These bats are important to the ecosystem as they are the main pollinators for the agave and the saguaro cactus. Not only do they pollinate these plants, but will also drink the nectar from their flowers.
Appearance
It’s almost impossible to tell the males and females apart just by sight as there are very few differences. These bats don’t typically grow to more than 3 inches (8 cm), and there isn’t a visible tail.
The lesser long-nosed bat, as its name suggests, has a long nose with a triangular tip. The fur is short and gray in color, which makes it easier to tell them apart from the greater long-nosed bat, which is also smaller.
Habitat
The lesser long-nosed bat is a species that is able to withstand higher temperatures which is why it’s often found in desert environments. However, they will also frequent grasslands, forests, and scrub.
Range
During winter, the lesser long-nosed bat spends its time in Mexico. However, once spring rolls around, it migrates north and can be found in the southern United States in places like Arizona, California, and New Mexico.
15. Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus)

There are two species of big-eared bat, with the other being the Ozark big-eared bat. The Virginia big-eared bat is so named because of its limited range to Virginia and the surrounding areas. These bats are considered to be an endangered species, and there are only around 20,000 left in the wild.
While numbers are dwindling, the good news is that there aren’t many predators of this bat species as their flight abilities usually keep them safe.
The Virginia big-eared bat is an insectivore whose diet mainly consists of moths. However, they are known to hunt other insects, including flies and beetles. Interestingly, the young are weaned and ready to hunt on their own by the age of six weeks.
Appearance
The Virginia big-eared bat is covered in long dark brown to black fur, but the color of the fur can change with age. This is a large species that can weigh up to 0.4 ounces (12 grams) and is easily identifiable thanks to its large ears, from which it takes its name.
Habitat
The Virginia big-eared bat enjoys a pine, aspen or spruce forest where the trees are dense. In higher regions, they will frequent subalpine habitats but also like grasslands around the forests they live in. During the day, they can also sometimes be found in caves where they will roost.
Range
These bats do not migrate and are found in very specific regions of the USA. They’re found in parts of Virginia and West Virginia as well as parts of North Carolina and Kentucky.
16. Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)

Just like the little brown bat, the Indiana bat is small with a mighty appetite. This is one of the reasons that it’s considered to be so important to humans as it’s a natural pest controller. The bats benefit from bat houses, so if you live in an area where this species can be found, it’s worth installing one in your yard.
These bats are part of the Vespertilionidae family and were not discovered until 1900. Sadly, they were one of the first bat species to be described as endangered. The main reason for this is habitat loss, although this is being closely monitored.
Appearance
The Indiana bat is a small species that doesn’t get much larger than around 1.9 inches (4.9 cm). They typically weigh just 8 grams and have a wingspan of around 8 inches (20 cm).
As with most other bat species, there aren’t too many noticeable differences between genders other than size. The bats have shiny brown fur that’s much softer than that of the little brown bat.
Habitat
The Indiana bat is often found in hardwood forests although some are found in hardwood-pine forest. In summer, the bats can be found roosting in the trees as well as in old buildings and under bridges. During the winter, they will hibernate in caves, particularly those made of limestone.
Range
The Indiana bat is endemic to North America in states such as Iowa, West Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. The bats do not migrate in winter but prefer to hibernate in caves.
17. Mariana Fruit Bat (Pteropus mariannus)

Sadly, the Mariana fruit bat, part of the Pteropopidae family, is close to extinction. Their decline has been so rapid in recent decades that there are now only a few hundred left in the wild.
We wouldn’t want to see these animals die out but it’s hard to control populations when the bats are considered a delicacy. However, conservationists are working to save the species.
Mariana fruit bats feed on a diet of mainly fruit but these flying foxes may also eat leaves and flowers from time to time.
Appearance
We call this a bat, but the species is much larger than the average bat which is why they’re often referred to as a flying fox. Their wings can span up to 36 inches (91 cm), and the body can be as long as 9.5 inches (24 cm). They typically weigh around 17 ounces (500 grams).
The fur is black to brown and covered in flecks of silver hairs, making them a very attractive species. Their heads resemble that of a fox, another reason they were given their nickname, and the males tend to be a little larger than the females.
Habitat
The Mariana fruit bat is found in tropical or subtropical regions, and they enjoy roosting in forests, particularly around coconut groves. They like to roost in tall trees where they will spend the day hanging upside down.
Range
These bats are not very widespread and are exclusively found in American Samoa, Guam, the Mariana Islands, and other areas in the South Pacific.
18. Northern Yellow Bat (Lasiurus intermedius)

The northern yellow bat is a large species belonging to the Vespertilionidae family and is found almost exclusively in the United States. They are a rarer species of bat that face threats from habitat loss due to the removal of Spanish moss.
While they are considered to be a good pest controller due to their diet of insects, northern yellow bats are sometimes a pest for humans as they will nest in roofs.
Appearance
One of the distinguishing characteristics of the northern yellow bat is its small rounded ears. They have short fur that comes in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, brown, and in some cases, gray.
Unlike some bat species, the northern yellow bat lacks white markings, and only half of the tail is covered in fur. They have a wingspan of up to 16 inches (41 cm) and are quite large bats, with the heaviest weighing up to 1 ounce (31 grams).
Habitat
The northern yellow bat is a coastal animal and can often be found in forests where there is a nearby water source. They are normally found where there is a good amount of Spanish moss as they use this for roosting.
Range
The northern yellow bat is exclusively found in the United States. It can be found as far south as Texas, where it is sometimes confused with the southern yellow bat. The northern yellow bat is usually found in coastal regions, although there are reports of sightings as far inland as Austin.
19. Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)

Spotted bats are members of the Vespertilionidae family and prefer an open habitat due to the low frequency of their echolocation. That said, they are found in many other areas and are one of the most diverse in terms of habitat and range.
It may therefore come as a surprise to learn that the spotted bat is a threatened species. Where they do occur, it’s never in abundance. This is because of the use of pesticides that have wiped out large insect populations on which the bats feed on.
Appearance
The spotted bat is perhaps one of the easiest to identify with its dark black fur and three prominent white dorsal spots. Moreover, the species has very large pale ears and a black face.
They’re quite large bats that can grow up to 5 inches (12 cm) and may have a wingspan of up to 14 inches (35 cm).
Habitat
The habitat of the spotted bat is rather diverse. You’ll often find them nesting on open cliffs but they’re also commonly found in forests, deserts, and near rivers.
Range
While the spotted bat can be found from as far south as Mexico and as far north As Canada, their populations are incredibly sparse.
20. Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus)

You might know the tricolored bat as the eastern pipistrelle as this is what it used to be commonly called. It’s a part of the Vespertilionidae family but numbers are now in decline and the species is considered endangered in Canada.
Tricolored bats will mate in the fall and are able to store sperm over their winter hibernation, producing young in the spring. While the young are totally helpless at birth, this is a rapidly developing species that’ll soon fly off to hunt for insects like beetles, mosquitos, and moths.
Appearance
The tricolored bat gets its name because of the three distinct colors within its fur. They are laid out in bands, starting with gray and moving through yellow and brown.
These are a very small species of bat that only get to around 0.2 ounces (7 grams) although the females are smaller and usually don’t grow larger than 0.1 ounces (5 grams).
Habitat
While the tricolored bat can be found in wooded areas, it prefers sparse woodland and is rarely found in the deep forest. It’ll also frequent open areas, especially where there is a nearby water source, and will nest in trees during the summer. In winter, the bats will retreat to caves where they will hibernate.
Range
The tricolored bat is found in the eastern parts of the United States but does spread as far west as Oklahoma and Texas. They’re also found in parts of Southern Canada and may be located as far south as Honduras.
Threats to North American Bats

Bats are so important to our ecosystem and they help in ways that most of us don’t realize until we stop and think. For example, they’re essential for controlling pest populations since all but three species feed exclusively on insects. In fact, it’s estimated that to pay for the same level of service in pest control, US farmers would have to fork out 3.6 billion dollars annually.
What’s more, bats are important pollinators, with some species of plants, such as the agave, relying solely on bats for pollination.
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS)
White Nose Syndrome, often shortened to WNS, is a disease that affects bats during hibernation. It is a fungal infection that targets the muzzle, wings, and ears, and affected bats are seen to have white fungus growing in these areas.
Bats that have WNS may also emerge from hibernation much earlier, so it’s common to see those affected displaying abnormal winter activity. When this happens, the food resources are often too scarce for the bats to survive.
While scientific tests have to be done to confirm the condition, common symptoms include weight loss, dehydration, and ultimately, death.
There are 12 bat species in North America that are affected by the disease, including two that are endangered. The problem is that WNS can be transferred between bats and this has caused massive declines in numbers. Sadly, studies have shown that as many as 18% of bat species are at risk of extinction.
Habitat Loss
The biggest problems for bats in North America are related to a loss of habitat. The harvest of timber is largely to blame as this is reducing the available forest space for species that roost in trees. What’s more, lots of forest land is being cleared to make way for agriculture, and the problems are at their most severe in tropical areas.
Moreover, since a lot of bats dwell in caves, many are being driven out of their homes due to tourism and caving.
Not only this but humans are using more and more chemicals such as pesticides which wipe out insect populations, severely limiting the food sources for bats. Even where pesticides aren’t directly applied, local water sources could be contaminated, which also affects the bat population.
Wind Turbines
Wind turbines are a renewable and eco-friendly source of energy, but there’s always a downside, and in this case, it’s at the expense of bats’ lives. Collisions with wind turbines are becoming more and more serious, with the hoary bat being one of the most affected species. So much so that conservationists believe that this is a real threat to populations.
And it isn’t just head-on collisions that can cause problems. Research has shown that bats may experience barotrauma as a result of changes in pressure around an operational wind turbine. When they alter their flight path to avoid areas of high or low pressure, this could put them in a direct line with the turbine blades.
So, why don’t bats just avoid wind turbines altogether? The issue is that many bats mistake the turbines for trees in which they can roost. They may even see the reflective surface of the turbine and think it’s a source of water. While we aren’t encouraging the end of wind turbine use, it is worth looking at how we can reduce bat deaths. Initial studies have shown that running them at slightly higher speeds has shown a decrease in bat fatalities.
Climate Change
Climate change is to blame for a lot of things, and the decline in the number of bats in North America is one of them.
With severe rises in temperature, some bat species, like the flying fox in Australia, are dying in very concerning numbers. Wildfires have become more common and pose a serious risk to bat populations.
What’s more, bats that live in tropical locations are at risk from tropical storms which is made worse when you consider that they’re also contending with a loss of habitat.
Since the change in temperature appears to be affecting insect activity, this directly impacts bats that are migrating over winter, lowering their available food sources.
Do North American Bats Hibernate?

Some of the bats in North America will migrate to warmer climates during winter. This includes the lesser long-nosed bat and the hoary bat. There are others that will remain active throughout the year but this tends to apply to those that are naturally found in warmer climates, like the California leaf-nosed bat.
Of course, there are lots of species of bats in North America that hibernate and, for the most part, they will seek out a cave and gather in groups to keep warm throughout the winter.
When bats go into hibernation, they will adjust their metabolic rate, which helps them to conserve up to 98% of their energy. Some of the most common bats that hibernate in North America are the little brown bat and the gray bat.
Why Do Bats Hang Upside Down?

Hanging upside down is a characteristic of bats that we’re all aware of but why do they do this? This behavior is known as roosting and it’s something that all bats do. The reason they don’t roost the right way up, like birds, for example, is that their feet clench when they are relaxed. This allows them to grab tightly onto a surface while remaining in a state of relaxation. There’s also no need for the bat to worry about their blood flow since they have special valves in their vascular system that change the direction of the flow.
What’s more, when it’s time for the bat to fly away, hanging in this position allows them to gain momentum for flight, and they can move away very quickly.
Are Bats Harmful to Humans?

Many people are frightened of bats, but there’s really no need to be. In the main, these are docile creatures that prefer to avoid human contact as much as possible. So, unlike in the movies, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be attacked by a swarming cave of bats.
There’s also the risk of disease, with a lot of people being concerned about rabies. However, it’s important to keep in mind that only around 1% of bats carry this disease. Moreover, any mammal is capable of contracting and carrying rabies, so bats don’t deserve this association. That said, it can be difficult to determine whether a wild bat does have rabies, so it’s always best to avoid touching them, but that can be said of any wild animal.
Bat droppings are known as guano, and there is a risk that they will contain a fungal disease called histoplasmosis which causes respiratory symptoms. However, since the fungus can only survive in warm, humid regions, the risks are almost zero in the northern United States and Canada.