Bats in California: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For
Bats are common across California, from coast to desert. Your best chance to spot them is at dusk near water or known roosts like caves and bridges. Look for their erratic flight and listen for faint sounds. Start at a local state park with a river or lake.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Western red bat · Linzy L. CC BY-SA
Mexican Free-tailed Bat · Jonathan Eisen CC BY
North American Hoary Bat · Amelia Tauber CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 28,454
- GBIF records
- July, August, September
- peak months
Yes, bats are in California. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
20 types of bats recorded in California
20 bat species have a verified observation record in California across bats (order Chiroptera), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Also recorded in California
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Western Bonneted BatNativeEumops perotis | Eumops perotis | 39 |
| 14 | Western Small-footed MyotisNativeMyotis ciliolabrum | Myotis ciliolabrum | 31 |
| 15 | Pocketed Free-tailed BatNativeNyctinomops femorosaccus | Nyctinomops femorosaccus | 29 |
| 16 | Western Yellow BatNativeLasiurus xanthinus | Lasiurus xanthinus | 28 |
| 17 | Long-legged MyotisNativeMyotis volans | Myotis volans | 27 |
| 18 | California Leaf-nosed BatNativeMacrotus californicus | Macrotus californicus | 24 |
| 19 | Fringed MyotisNativeMyotis thysanodes | Myotis thysanodes | 22 |
| 20 | Big Free-tailed BatNativeNyctinomops macrotis | Nyctinomops macrotis | 16 |
Plus 4 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
7,270 verified observations on iNaturalist of bat have been recorded in California, most often in July, August, September.
When bat are recorded in California
Bats are common across California, from coast to desert. Your best chance to spot them is at dusk near water or known roosts like caves and bridges. Look for their erratic flight and listen for faint sounds. Start at a local state park with a river or lake.
Where Are Bats Most Likely Found in California?
Bats are found throughout California, from coastal redwoods to desert canyons. They need roosting sites: caves, mines, bridges, and old buildings. Good bets are near water sources like rivers and lakes. State parks such as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Lava Beds National Monument have known bat populations. For a broader overview, see ourbat identification page.
In California, bats sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
What Time of Day Is Best for Bat Spotting?
Bats emerge at dusk, usually 15 to 30 minutes after sunset. On warm summer evenings, they appear earlier. Dawn is another active period as they return to roosts. Use a red flashlight to avoid disturbing them. For more California specific timing, refer to ourCalifornia wildlife guide.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around time-of-day or seasonal behavior, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in California. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
How Can a Beginner Identify Bat Activity?
Look for erratic, fluttering flight patterns against the sky. Listen for faint chittering sounds near roosts. Guano (bat droppings) under eaves or bridges is a clear sign. Also look for staining on rocks from oils. Ourbat spotting tips pageoffers more detail.
What Are the Most Common Bat Species in California?
The Mexican free-tailed bat is abundant, forming massive colonies in caves. The big brown bat is common in urban areas. The pallid bat has a distinct pale coloration. Each has different roosting preferences. See ourbat species guidefor more.
Why Are Bats Important for California’s Ecosystems?
Bats consume huge amounts of insects, including agricultural pests. They also pollinate plants like agave and saguaro cactus. Protecting bat habitats benefits farms and natural areas.
What Are the Best Bat Watching Spots in California?
Several parks offer bat viewing programs. Use the travel widget below to find tours and accommodations near prime bat locations.
What Bat Apparel Can Show Your Bat Appreciation?
After spotting bats, you might want to share your interest. Easy Street Markets offers a range of bat-themed gear. Check out the Cute Bat Sticker for a subtle touch, or the Bat Animal Short-Sleeve T-Shirt for a classic look. For more options, browse ourbat t-shirts collection.
Cute Bat Sticker
A simple way to show your bat love on water bottles, laptops, or notebooks.Check Price and Availability
Bat Animal Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
A classic design featuring a bat silhouette, perfect for casual outings.Check Price and Availability
Cute Bat T-Shirt
A more playful option with a cute cartoon bat.Check Price and Availability
Baby Bat Cartoon T-Shirt
You can't go wrong with this Baby Bat, Cute Animal Cartoon Tee Women's -Image by Shutterstock that gives you an authentic style everyday. This T-shirt has been made for your everyday superior comfort. This T-shirt also makes an amazing giftCheck Price and Availability
Frequently Asked Questions About Bats in California
**Are bats dangerous?** Bats are generally not aggressive and avoid humans. However, they can carry rabies, so never handle a bat.
**Where do bats roost in California?** Common roosts include caves, bridges, attics, and bat houses.
**When is bat mating season?** Most species mate in fall and give birth in late spring.
**Can I attract bats to my yard?** Yes, install a bat house near a water source.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see bat in California: July, August, September
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your bat sighting in California
28,454 verified bat records have been logged in California, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in California
- Alcatraz Island · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cabrillo National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Channel Islands National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Death Valley National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Devils Postpile National Monument · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What bat species live in California?+
Bats are found throughout California, from coastal redwoods to desert canyons. They need roosting sites: caves, mines, bridges, and old buildings. Good bets are near water sources like rivers and lakes. State parks such as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Lava Beds National Monument have known bat populations. For a broader overview, see ourbat identification page. In California, bats sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where can you see bats in California?+
Bats are found throughout California, from coastal redwoods to desert canyons. They need roosting sites: caves, mines, bridges, and old buildings. Good bets are near water sources like rivers and lakes. State parks such as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Lava Beds National Monument have known bat populations. For a broader overview, see ourbat identification page. In California, bats sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
When is the best time to see bats in California?+
Bats are found throughout California, from coastal redwoods to desert canyons. They need roosting sites: caves, mines, bridges, and old buildings. Good bets are near water sources like rivers and lakes. State parks such as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Lava Beds National Monument have known bat populations. For a broader overview, see ourbat identification page. In California, bats sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Keep exploring
More places to see bat
More wildlife in California
Common questions about bats