Types of Michigan Bat Species

Bats are found all over the world, with the exception of the polar regions. One particular species, the hoary bat, is the only native land mammal in Hawaii. There are 9 species of bats found in the state of Michigan. They are all known as micro-bats. They feed on insects and use echolocation to search for food.

If bats have gotten into your home and you want to get rid of them, call the experts at Precision Wildlife Removal. We can remove them from your home and relocate them to somewhere safe. In this article, we’ll explain more about each of the 9 species of bats you may see in Michigan.

9 Bats You’ll Find in Michigan

There are 9 species of bats that are commonly found in the state of Michigan.

Big Brown Bat

The first one we’ll look at is the Big Brown Bat. This is a colonial bat that prefers to roost in trees, bat houses, hot attics, and shutters. It is common to Oakland County and surrounding areas. Females form colonies of 20 to 500 during the spring and summer months. Males either roost alone or will gather in groups of 4 to 5 or less. At night, when taking a break from feeding, they may roost on your porch. During the winter, they’re often found hibernating in attics and walls. They wake every couple of weeks and may get into your living quarters.

During the summer months, they emerge approximately 20 minutes after sunset to hunt for insects. You may identify this bat by it’s 13-inch wingspan and red/brown to dark brown coat. When compared to the little brown bat, they are puffy around their nose.

Little Brown Bat

The little brown bat, is a colonial bat that is found throughout the state of Michigan- but most often found in the northern part of the state. They have a 10-inch wingspan and a red/brown to dark brown coat. Colonies are made up of both males and females and can number hundreds or thousands. They will often establish residence in cabins or hot attics.

Eastern Red Bat

The Eastern Red Bat, is a solitary bat. It has a 12-inch wingspan and a bright orange to yellow/brown coat. They are also known for their unusual white markings on their shoulders. Females spend the bulk of their time in trees and raise between 1 and 4 young. Though commonly found in the state of Michigan, it’s not typically found in homes because it does prefer to reside in trees. From time to time, one may fly into your home through an open window. However, since it is a solitary species, you don’t have to be concerned about the presence of a colony.

Hoary Bat

The Hoary Bat, is a solitary bat characterized by the white tips on its dark hairs. It has a wingspan of approximately 15 inches and its throat ranges in color from yellow to orange. Most of its time is spent in trees, and it’s not often found in homes in Michigan.

Tri-Colored Bat

The Tri-Colored Bat, formerly known as the Eastern Pipistrelle, is a colonial bat found in the upper peninsula in the state of Michigan. It has a wingspan of approximately 9 inches and is one of the smallest species of bat found in the United States. Sometimes, it is mistaken for a large moth and it’s very rare for this species to roost in buildings.

Silver Haired Bat

The Silver-Haired Bat, is a solitary bat that has silver tips on its black coat. It has an 11-inch wingspan and will typically settle in behind loose tree bark. In some cases, it may be found in tall churches and other buildings. It may be found in Michigan, but isn’t among the most common.

Indiana Bat

The Indiana Bat, is an endangered species- with less than 300,000 in the entire world. This bat is characterized by its pink tail membrane and dull brown to gray fur. They look a lot like the big brown bat, but their fur goes past their toenails. They often settle

in dead/hollow trees in the summer and form large colonies in limestone caves in the winter.

Evening Bat

The Evening Bat, is a colonial bat that is often confused with the Big Brown Bat or Little Brown Bat. It has a 10-inch wingspan. The thing that sets it apart from the other two is its blunt tragus at the base of its ear. It is most often found in Southern Michigan and though not endangered, is on the threatened list.

Northern Long-Eared Bat

The Northern Long-Eared Bat, has a pale to dark brown coat with a 10-inch wingspan. During the summer, the females of the species gather in small colonies, and the males nest alone. This bat flies in forest areas and captures insects in the air or on the ground. They are rarely found under shutters, commonly being found in hollow trees or under tree bark.

Conclusion

Bats can be interesting to watch, but if they get into your home, they can become a nuisance. If bats have taken up residence in your attic or anywhere else in your home, call the professionals at Precision Wildlife Removal. We have the experience and expertise to remove them from your home and relocate them safely. Contact us today and let us take care of it for you!