Bats in Virginia: where to look and what signs to watch for

Bats are most active from April through September. Summer months, especially June and July, are prime time when females gather in maternity colonies. Evening emergence begins about 15–30 minutes after sunset. Winter hibernation in caves means little to no surface activity from December to February.

Virginia’s diverse habitats support many bat species. Look for them in forests, near lakes and rivers, and around old barns or bridges. Caves in the Shenandoah Valley, like those in Shenandoah National Park, are important hibernation sites. Also check open fields and woodland edges during summer evenings.

Bat guano (droppings) under roosts, grease marks at entry points, and the sound of chittering from inside attics or crevices. At dusk, watch for silhouettes against the sky. Their flight pattern is erratic with quick turns, unlike birds. Stains around eaves or bridges also indicate a roost.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Common species include the big brown bat, little brown bat, eastern red bat, and tri-colored bat. Size, ear shape, fur color, and flight height help tell them apart. The big brown bat has a broad head and blunt nose, while the little brown bat is smaller with a sleek coat. For detailed ID tips, visit our bat species hub.

Bats emerge around sunset to feed on insects. They use echolocation calls that you can sometimes hear as faint clicks or with a bat detector. Some species forage low over water, others along forest edges. Watch for their quick banking and diving as they chase mosquitoes and moths.