8 Types of Bats in West Virginia

1. What bats are commonly found in West Virginia?

West Virginia is home to several bat species. The most frequently encountered include the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), and eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis). You might also spot the tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) or the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus). The Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) are present but less common and federally protected.

2. How can you identify bats by size and color?

Size is a helpful starting point. Big brown bats are medium-sized (3.5-5 in body length) with brown fur and a blackish face. Little brown bats are smaller (2.5-3.5 in) with glossy brown fur. Eastern red bats have rusty red fur and white patches on the shoulders. Tri-colored bats are tiny with reddish, yellowish, and brown bands on hairs. Hoary bats are large with frosted, dark gray fur. Check wing shape and ear length too: big brown bats have short, round ears while little browns have longer, pointed ears.

3. Where in West Virginia do you have the best odds of seeing bats?

Start near water. Bats forage over rivers, ponds, and lakes at dusk. Parks like Babcock State Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, and the Monongahela National Forest offer excellent habitat. Abandoned mines and caves in the eastern panhandle can host hibernating colonies, but avoid entering closed caves to protect vulnerable populations. Evening emergence at forest edges and near old barns is also productive. CheckEast Coast bat hotspotsfor more guidance.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

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

Bats are most active from April through October. Maternity colonies form in late spring, making June and July prime for seeing large numbers emerge from roosts. Late summer (August) brings juveniles learning to forage. Fall (September-October) sees pre-hibernation feeding. Winter spotting is rare except in hibernation sites. Evening is the best time: start about 30 minutes after sunset near water.

5. How do you distinguish bats from similar-looking species?

The main lookalike confusion is between little brown and Indiana bats. Little browns have longer toes and a keeled calcar; Indiana bats lack a keel. Big brown bats are larger with a broader nose. Eastern red bats are distinct for their reddish fur and white shoulder patches. Tri-colored bats are the smallest and often flutter like butterflies. Hoary bats are unmistakably large and frosty. Listen for echolocation calls with a bat detector for confirmation.

6. What gear helps with bat identification in the field?

A good bat detector (like an Echo Meter Touch) lets you hear and ID calls. A red flashlight reduces disturbance. Binoculars with close focus help spot roosting bats. Carry a field guide specific to Eastern bats. For clothing, wear dark, quiet fabrics. Before you go, check outbat T-shirtsthat show off your interest without being loud in the field.

7. Show off your bat encounters with the right apparel

After a successful outing, share your bat enthusiasm with practical gear. The Bat Animal Short-Sleeve T-Shirt is comfortable for hiking and shows a realistic bat design. For a lighter option, the Cute Bat T-Shirt is soft and subtle. The Cute Bat Sticker is a fun way to decorate gear or a water bottle. Consider the Baby Bat Cartoon T-Shirt for a playful look, or the Bat Gifts tee with a bat lover message. All are available at Easy Street Markets bat shirts.

Cute Bat Sticker

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Bat Animal Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

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Baby Bat Cartoon T-Shirt

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8. Which West Virginia parks are best for bat watching?

Besides Babcock and Blackwater Falls, try Coopers Rock State Forest for forest edges, and the Ohio River islands for migrant bats. The Greenbrier River Trail offers long stretches of river habitat. For guided opportunities, checkWest Virginia wildlife tours. Remember to never approach roosts and keep distance to avoid disturbing colonies.

9. How are endangered bat species protected in West Virginia?

West Virginia enforces federal protection for endangered species like the Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat. These species are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and their roosts and hibernation sites are off-limits to the public. The state works with cave managers to control access during hibernation season (November-March). White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease, threatens hibernating populations, so cave closures help prevent transmission. If you encounter a dead bat, report it to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to support disease monitoring efforts.

10. What should you do if you find an injured or grounded bat?

Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately rather than handling the bat yourself. Bats can carry rabies, and direct contact poses a health risk. If you must move a grounded bat to safety, use a small container and heavy gloves. Place it in a sheltered spot away from predators. The West Virginia Wildlife Center and local animal control can connect you with rehabilitators. Document the bat's location and condition if possible, as this information helps researchers track population health and disease spread.

11. Are there seasonal habitat changes for bats in West Virginia?

Yes, bat habitat shifts dramatically across seasons. Spring (March-May) sees emergence from hibernation and arrival of migrating species. Maternity seasons peak in June-July when females gather in warm roosts to birth and nurse young. Summer (June-August) offers abundant insects over water and woodlands. Fall (September-October) drives frenzied feeding as bats build fat reserves before migration or hibernation. Winter (November-February) pushes most bats into torpor in caves and mines, with activity nearly ceased. Understanding these shifts helps predict where and when to look for specific species.