Bats in Minnesota: identification guide and where to start looking
Yes, several bat species live in Minnesota. Most people first spot them near lakes, rivers, or forest edges at dusk. Start by watching for small, erratic silhouettes over water in summer. The big brown bat and little brown bat are your most likely sightings.
Yes, several bat species live in Minnesota. Most people first spot them near lakes, rivers, or forest edges at dusk. Start by watching for small, erratic silhouettes over water in summer. The big brown bat and little brown bat are your most likely sightings.
What bat species are most common in Minnesota?
The big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) and the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) are the two you will most likely encounter statewide. The big brown bat is larger, with a wingspan around 13 inches, and has a uniform brown coat. The little brown bat is smaller, with a wingspan around 9-10 inches, and its fur has a glossy sheen. Other species include the tri-colored bat and the northern long-eared bat, but they are less common.
In Minnesota, bats sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. 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.
How can you tell a big brown bat from a little brown bat?
Size is the clearest marker. A big brown bat is noticeably bigger, with a longer forearm length (over 45 mm). Its fur is less glossy and the face is broader. The little brown bat has a forearm under 40 mm, a more delicate nose, and a shiny brown coat. If you see a bat with a wingspan like a small bird, it is probably a big brown bat. A bat that looks more like a large moth is likely a little brown bat.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Minnesota. 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.
Where in Minnesota are you most likely to spot bats?
Your best odds are near water. The Lake Superior shoreline, the Mississippi and Minnesota river valleys, and lakes in the northern forests all hold good numbers. Bats also roost in old buildings, trees, and caves. In southeastern Minnesota, areas around Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park are reliable. Start at sunset near a calm stretch of water.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best time of year to see bats in Minnesota?
Bats are active from about mid-April through October. Peak activity is from late June to August, when young are learning to fly and hunting is heavy. The best time of evening is from about 20 minutes after sunset to around an hour later. In cooler weather bats may be less active, so aim for warm, calm summer nights with temperatures above 55°F.
What does a bat in flight look like compared to birds?
Bats are erratic and fluttery, unlike the smooth gliding of swallows or swifts. Their wings flap in a jerky, irregular pattern. Birds like nighthawks and chimney swifts can be mistaken, but nighthawks have white wing patches and a longer, pointed tail. Swifts fly in a stiff, straight line. Bats also typically fly lower over water, often skimming the surface.
Is there a good way to attract or view bats up close?
You can use a bat detector (which hears echolocation) to confirm species, but that is advanced. For close viewing, a pond or small lake with an open view works well. Never disturb roosts. If you want to support bats, consider installing a bat house. Check out ourbatspage for more species details.
Where can I find bat-themed gear to celebrate Minnesota bats?
If you want to show your bat appreciation, check out these picks. For a fun sticker, theCute Bat Stickeris a great start. TheBat Animal Short-Sleeve T-Shirtoffers a realistic design, while theBaby Bat Cartoon T-Shirtis perfect for a lighter look. You can also browse allbat t-shirtsat Easy Street Markets.
Are bats in Minnesota dangerous or should I be worried about rabies?
Bat rabies is rare in Minnesota. Only about 1% of bats carry the virus, and healthy bats avoid humans. Never handle a bat on the ground or active during the day. If you see a bat behaving oddly, contact local animal control. More information on safe viewing is on ourMinnesota wildlifepage.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.