Bats in Montana

15 bats are native to the state of Montana. Some of the more common bats living in the state include the Hoary Bat and the Big Brown Bat, both of which are also among the largest. Other notable species include the Little Brown Bat, the Eastern Red Bat, and the Western Small-footed Myotis.

Bats in Montana (MT)

Different Types of Bats in Montana

Vesper Bats (Vespertilionidae)

  • Big Brown Bat
  • California Myotis
  • Eastern Red Bat
  • Fringed Myotis
  • Hoary Bat
  • Little Brown Bat
  • Long-eared Myotis
  • Long-legged Myotis
  • Northern Long-eared Bat
  • Pallid Bat
  • Silver-haired Bat
  • Spotted Bat
  • Townsend’s Big-eared Bat
  • Western Small-footed Myotis
  • Yuma Myotis

Places To Go Bat Watching in Montana

Montana is home to the Gates of the Mountains, where the largest bat population in the state can be seen. 

FAQ

1. Where do bats in Montana go in the winter?

Some of the state’s bats, like the Silver-haired Bat and the Hoary Bat, are migratory and will fly south for the winter. However, others, like the Townsend’s Big-eared Bat and the Big Brown Bat, will try to locate a cave within the state that is suitable for them to hibernate.

2. Are there any species of bats in Montana that are endangered?

While the Northern Long-eared Bat is federally threatened, the USFWS is pushing to list it as endangered as the population has declined in the state. This drastic decline is especially pronounced in eastern Montana, where bats have begun to show symptoms of White-nose Syndrome. This disease afflicts bats living in caves and can lead to rabies.

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