Types of Bats in Iowa: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking

1. What are the most common bats in Iowa?

The big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) and little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) are the two species you are most likely to see. Big brown bats have a wingspan of about 13 to 16 inches and glossy brown fur. Little brown bats are smaller with a wingspan of 8 to 10 inches and darker, often blackish-brown fur. The eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) and hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) are also present but less frequently encountered.

2. How can you identify a bat by its size and shape?

Size is the easiest starting point. Big brown bats have a forearm length of about 1.6 to 2 inches, while little brown bats have a forearm under 1.5 inches. Look at the fur: big browns have a uniform brown color, little browns often have a slight golden sheen. Eastern red bats are medium-sized with reddish-orange fur and a distinctive white shoulder patch. Hoary bats are large with frosted, grayish fur and a wingspan up to 16 inches.

3. Where are the best places to see bats in Iowa?

Your best odds are near standing water such as ponds, lakes, or slow-moving rivers at dusk. State parks likeMaquoketa Caves State Parkand Ledges State Park have good bat activity. Caves and abandoned buildings may host maternity colonies, but you should never enter a cave without permission. Backyards with flower gardens also attract insects and therefore bats.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

4. When is the best time of year to spot bats in Iowa?

Bats are most active from mid-May through early September. They emerge from hibernation in April and begin migrating or entering torpor by October. The peak for sightings is June and July when pups are learning to fly. Evening emergence starts about 15 to 30 minutes after sunset.

5. What are some lookalike species and how to tell them apart?

The evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis) looks very similar to the little brown bat but has a slightly broader tragus and darker face. Big brown bats can be confused with the hoary bat at a quick glance, but hoary bats have much longer wing tips and distinctly frosty fur. If you see a bat with reddish fur in a tree, it is almost certainly an eastern red bat.

6. How do bat echolocation calls help with identification?

Using a bat detector is a reliable way to identify species in flight. Big brown bats call at lower frequencies (25-30 kHz), while little browns call higher (40-50 kHz). Eastern red bats have a distinctive descending call pattern. Without a detector, focus on visual clues like size, flight style, and habitat. Bats flying in tight circles over water are often little browns.

7. What should you do if you find a bat in your house?

Do not touch the bat with bare hands. Open a window or door and close off the room to allow it to escape on its own. If it stays, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Never try to catch it by hand because bats can carry rabies. For more on bat behavior, check ourbat species hub.

8. Where can you find bat-themed gear and shirts to show your interest?

If you want to wear your enthusiasm for bats, Easy Street Markets has a selection of bat t-shirts and stickers that make great conversation starters. Here are a couple of top picks:

### Cute Bat Sticker

This durable sticker shows a friendly bat design perfect for laptops or water bottles.Check Price and Availability

### Bat Animal Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

A crisp, simple bat silhouette on a soft tee. Great for casual birding or bat walks.Check Price and Availability

### Baby Bat Cartoon T-Shirt

You can't go wrong with this cute cartoon bat tee. It makes an amazing gift for anyone who loves bats.Check Price and Availability

Browse more bat apparel on ourbat t-shirts page.

See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.