Bats in Maryland

There are 10 bats native to Maryland, the most common being the Eastern Red Bat. The Hoary Bat is the state’s largest, with a wingspan of 13-16 inches, while the Tricolored Bat is the smallest, with a wingspan of 8-10 inches.

Bats in Maryland (MD)

Different Types of Bats in Maryland

Vesper Bats (Vespertilionidae)

  • Big Brown Bat
  • Eastern Red Bat
  • Eastern Small-footed Bat
  • Evening Bat
  • Hoary Bat
  • Indiana Bat
  • Little Brown Bat
  • Northern Long-eared Bat
  • Silver-haired Bat
  • Tricolored Bat

Places To Go Bat Watching in Maryland

Crabtree Cave is one of the best places to see bats as it is the largest bat hibernaculum in Maryland. Inside the cave, the bats that have been recorded include the Big Brown Bat, the Northern Long-eared Bat, the Tricolored Bat, and the Little Brown Bat.

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is also home to multiple bat species. Sightings include the rare Eastern Small-footed Bat, the at-risk Indiana Bat, and the threatened Northern Long-eared Bat.

FAQ

1. Do bats hibernate in Maryland?

Yes, the six species of bats designated as “cave bats” undergo hibernation during the winter. These are the Indiana Bat, the Little Brown Bat, the Eastern Small-footed Bat, the Northern Long-eared Bat, the Big Brown Bat, and the Tricolored Bat.

2. Is it illegal to kill bats in Maryland?

Yes, bats cannot be exterminated in Maryland – be it an individual specimen or an entire colony. The only way to remove a bat that has entered a human dwelling is by locating where the bat is, sealing off all exits except for one, and sealing off that pathway once the bat has exited.

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