3 Types of Bats in Vermont
Vermont is home to nine bat species, though several are rare or endangered. The most commonly seen are the little brown bat, big brown bat, and eastern red bat. Look for them at dusk near water or forest edges. Bats play a critical role in controlling insects and shaping Vermont's ecosystems. This guide covers key identification features, where to spot them, and how to tell species apart.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- August, July, April
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
3 types of bats recorded in Vermont
3 bat species have a verified observation record in Vermont 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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2
3
Plus 6 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
409 verified observations on iNaturalist of bat have been recorded in Vermont, most often in August, July, April.
When bat are recorded in Vermont
Vermont is home to nine bat species, though several are rare or endangered. The most commonly seen are the little brown bat, big brown bat, and eastern red bat. Look for them at dusk near water or forest edges. Bats play a critical role in controlling insects and shaping Vermont's ecosystems. This guide covers key identification features, where to spot them, and how to tell species apart.
1. Which bat species are most common in Vermont?
The little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) are the ones you are most likely to see. The little brown bat has a uniform brown coat and a wingspan of 8-11 inches. The big brown bat is larger, with a wingspan up to 13 inches and a stockier body. The eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) is also fairly common; males are brick red and females are slightly duller. It roosts in trees rather than buildings.
In Vermont, bat 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.
2. How can you tell little brown bats from big brown bats?
Size is the best clue. Big brown bats are noticeably bigger, with a forearm length over 1.5 inches. Little brown bats have a forearm under 1.5 inches. The fur of little brown bats is glossy and dark brown, while big brown bats have coarser, lighter brown fur. Also check the face: big brown bats have a broader, more dog-like snout. Both species have similar flight patterns, so size difference is key during emergence.
When observing from a distance, watch flight style: little brown bats tend to dart and pivot more sharply when chasing insects, while big brown bats fly with a slower, more steady pace. If you spot a roost during the day, little brown bats cluster tightly, while big brown bats space out more loosely on beams or in crevices.
3. Where in Vermont do people usually see bats first?
Start near water. Ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers attract insects, which bring bats. Look for them at dusk flying over open water or along tree lines. The Champlain Valley and around Lake Champlain are reliable spots. Also try state parks likeGroton State Forestor theGreen Mountain National Forest. Barns and old buildings may host roosts, but avoid disturbing them.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best time of year for confident bat sightings?
Late spring through early fall is prime time. Bats emerge from hibernation in April or May and are active until October. The best window is from mid-June to early August, when pups are learning to fly and insect activity peaks. Evening emergence starts about 30 minutes after sunset. Bring a red flashlight to avoid disturbing them.
Weather matters too: warm evenings (above 50 degrees Fahrenheit) bring out more insects and more bats. Cloudy nights are often better than clear ones because insects swarm lower when cloud cover is heavy, making bats easier to spot.
5. What does an evening bat emergence look like?
At dusk, bats stream out of roosts in a steady, spiraling flow. Little brown bats often emerge from buildings or bat houses in groups. Big brown bats come out individually or in small clusters. Watch for erratic, fluttering flight patterns as they chase insects. A single roost can release hundreds of bats, so if you see a few at first, more may follow.
The sound is often your first cue. Bats echolocate constantly, and experienced listeners can pick up high-frequency clicks. Listen carefully near bridges, culverts, and old barns at twilight.
6. Are there any lookalike species that confuse beginners?
The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) looks nearly identical to the little brown bat but has longer ears that extend beyond the nose when laid forward. It is endangered in Vermont and very rare. The tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) is smaller, with pinkish forearms and a tri-colored fur pattern (dark base, light band, dark tip). These are unlikely to be seen due to severe population declines.
7. Which bat species are endangered or protected in Vermont?
Vermont's rarest bats are the northern long-eared bat (federally endangered), the tri-colored bat (experiencing catastrophic decline from white-nose syndrome), and the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), which is also federally endangered. These species are strictly protected, and handling or disturbing them is illegal. If you believe you have spotted a rare or endangered bat, report it to the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife.
White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease introduced from Europe, has devastated bat populations across North America, including Vermont. This is why you're far more likely to encounter common species like little brown and big brown bats today than you were 20 years ago.
8. What do Vermont bats eat and how can you attract them?
All Vermont bat species are insectivores. They consume mosquitoes, flies, beetles, moths, and other flying insects, eating roughly half their body weight in insects each night. A single little brown bat can catch over 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour. This makes bats invaluable natural pest control.
To attract bats to your property, avoid pesticide use (it depletes their food source), maintain a water source like a pond or stream, and plant native trees and shrubs that support insects. Bat houses installed 10-15 feet high in open areas facing south or southeast are often adopted by little brown and big brown bats. Install them at least 4 inches away from trees to give bats a clear flight path.
9. Bat-themed apparel and gear for your next outing
Show your bat appreciation with these field-tested picks:
Cute Bat Sticker []() A fun way to decorate your gear or notebook. Durable vinyl. Check Price and Availability
Bat Animal Short-Sleeve T-Shirt []() Comfortable cotton tee with a realistic bat graphic. Great for field trips. Check Price and Availability
Baby Bat Cartoon T-Shirt []() A playful design for bat fans. Soft blend fabric. Check Price and Availability
For more bat-themed items, check out ouranimal shirts collection.
10. Frequently asked questions about Vermont bats
**Do all Vermont bats hibernate?** Most species do. Little brown bats hibernate in caves and mines, while big brown bats often use buildings. **Are Vermont bats dangerous?** No. Bats avoid humans and rabies is rare; never handle a bat with bare hands. **How can I help bat conservation?** Install a bat house away from your home. Learn more at/animals/bat. **What should I do if I find a bat inside?** Open a window and close doors. Let it leave on its own. If it doesn't, call a wildlife rehabilitator.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
1. Which bat species are most common in Vermont?+
The little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) are the ones you are most likely to see. The little brown bat has a uniform brown coat and a wingspan of 8-11 inches. The big brown bat is larger, with a wingspan up to 13 inches and a stockier body. The eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) is also fairly common; males are brick red and females are slightly duller. It roosts in trees rather than buildings. In Vermont, bat 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.
2. How can you tell little brown bats from big brown bats?+
Size is the best clue. Big brown bats are noticeably bigger, with a forearm length over 1.5 inches. Little brown bats have a forearm under 1.5 inches. The fur of little brown bats is glossy and dark brown, while big brown bats have coarser, lighter brown fur. Also check the face: big brown bats have a broader, more dog-like snout. Both species have similar flight patterns, so size difference is key during emergence. When observing from a distance, watch flight style: little brown bats tend to dart and pivot more sharply when chasing insects, while big brown bats fly with a slower, more steady pace. If you spot a roost during the day, little brown bats cluster tightly, while big brown bats space out more loosely on beams or in crevices.
3. Where in Vermont do people usually see bats first?+
Start near water. Ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers attract insects, which bring bats. Look for them at dusk flying over open water or along tree lines. The Champlain Valley and around Lake Champlain are reliable spots. Also try state parks likeGroton State Forestor theGreen Mountain National Forest. Barns and old buildings may host roosts, but avoid disturbing them. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What is the best time of year for confident bat sightings?+
Late spring through early fall is prime time. Bats emerge from hibernation in April or May and are active until October. The best window is from mid-June to early August, when pups are learning to fly and insect activity peaks. Evening emergence starts about 30 minutes after sunset. Bring a red flashlight to avoid disturbing them. Weather matters too: warm evenings (above 50 degrees Fahrenheit) bring out more insects and more bats. Cloudy nights are often better than clear ones because insects swarm lower when cloud cover is heavy, making bats easier to spot.
5. What does an evening bat emergence look like?+
At dusk, bats stream out of roosts in a steady, spiraling flow. Little brown bats often emerge from buildings or bat houses in groups. Big brown bats come out individually or in small clusters. Watch for erratic, fluttering flight patterns as they chase insects. A single roost can release hundreds of bats, so if you see a few at first, more may follow. The sound is often your first cue. Bats echolocate constantly, and experienced listeners can pick up high-frequency clicks. Listen carefully near bridges, culverts, and old barns at twilight.
6. Are there any lookalike species that confuse beginners?+
The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) looks nearly identical to the little brown bat but has longer ears that extend beyond the nose when laid forward. It is endangered in Vermont and very rare. The tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) is smaller, with pinkish forearms and a tri-colored fur pattern (dark base, light band, dark tip). These are unlikely to be seen due to severe population declines.
7. Which bat species are endangered or protected in Vermont?+
Vermont's rarest bats are the northern long-eared bat (federally endangered), the tri-colored bat (experiencing catastrophic decline from white-nose syndrome), and the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), which is also federally endangered. These species are strictly protected, and handling or disturbing them is illegal. If you believe you have spotted a rare or endangered bat, report it to the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease introduced from Europe, has devastated bat populations across North America, including Vermont. This is why you're far more likely to encounter common species like little brown and big brown bats today than you were 20 years ago.
8. What do Vermont bats eat and how can you attract them?+
All Vermont bat species are insectivores. They consume mosquitoes, flies, beetles, moths, and other flying insects, eating roughly half their body weight in insects each night. A single little brown bat can catch over 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour. This makes bats invaluable natural pest control. To attract bats to your property, avoid pesticide use (it depletes their food source), maintain a water source like a pond or stream, and plant native trees and shrubs that support insects. Bat houses installed 10-15 feet high in open areas facing south or southeast are often adopted by little brown and big brown bats. Install them at least 4 inches away from trees to give bats a clear flight path.
Keep exploring
More places to see bat
More wildlife in Vermont