Bats in North Dakota: Where to look and what signs to watch for

1. Where are bats most likely found in North Dakota?

Bats in North Dakota favor areas with nearby water and shelter. You'll have the best odds along the Missouri River, in the Badlands, and around state parks like Fort Abraham Lincoln and Lake Metigoshe. They roost in tree cavities, under bridges, and in old buildings. During summer, look for colonies near lakes and rivers where insects are abundant.

See our state wildlife page for the next step.

2. When is the best time of day and season to see bats?

Bats are nocturnal, so your best viewing window starts about 30 minutes after sunset. In North Dakota, the peak active months are June through August when insect populations are highest. Evening flights can last 2-4 hours, but activity tapers off as the night cools. During the day, you might spot bats in crevices or under loose bark, but they are harder to find then.

See our Bats guide for the next step.

3. What field signs can help you identify bat activity?

The most obvious sign is seeing bats swooping at dusk. You might also hear high-pitched echolocation calls (inaudible without a detector) or find droppings called guano beneath roosts. Guano piles often smell like ammonia. In winter, look for dormant bats in caves or abandoned mines, but avoid disturbing them. Scratches on wood or bark can indicate roosting sites.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

4. What common bat species are found in North Dakota?

North Dakota hosts several bat species, including the big brown bat, little brown bat, silver-haired bat, and hoary bat. The hoary bat is the largest and easiest to spot with its frosted fur. Eastern red bats are also present but less common. Knowing the species helps narrow down habitat: big brown bats prefer structures, while hoary bats roost high in trees.

5. Where are the best specific locations to watch bats in North Dakota?

Start with the Missouri River corridor, especially around Bismarck and Mandan. The Lost Bridge over the Heart River is a known bat emergence site. Lake Metigoshe State Park offers good bat viewing near the lake. In the Badlands, look around campgrounds and water sources. The bat-friendly town of Medora also has evening flyouts near the Little Missouri River.