Mammal · GBIF taxon 11138256
Hoary Bat
Aeorestes cinereusHoary bats roost individually among the foliage of tall forest trees, cloaked in thick coats of grey fur tipped with shimmering silver frost. As dusk falls, these agile flyers embark on wide foraging swoops above the canopy, using echolocation to intercept large moths and beetles mid-air. Unlike many bats that hibernate in caves, they undertake long-distance autumn migrations to southern wintering grounds.
NocturnalMigratoryInsectivore
Licensed referencePhotographer: Paul Cryan, U.S. Geological Survey / Public domain · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Moths
- Beetles
- Flies
Predators
- Hawks
- Owls
- Snakes
ThreatsWind turbine collisions, habitat fragmentation, pesticide exposure
HabitatsConiferous and deciduous forests, woodland edges, riparian corridors
Life span6–12 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyVespertilionidae
- SpeciesAeorestes cinereus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can carry rabies and inflict a sharp bite; never handle grounded bats with bare hands.
- Why it is dangerous
- Carries potential exposure risk for rabies and can inflict a painful defensive bite if cornered.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for frosted silver-tipped dark fur, a distinct yellow throat patch, and a heavily furred tail membrane.
- What to do
- Maintain a safe distance and call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if a bat is injured or grounded.
Responsible observation
- Look Up: Watch for them foraging around forest canopy edges and tree lines at dusk.
- Avoid Direct Contact: Never attempt to touch or pick up a bat found on the ground.
- Reduce Lighting: Minimize outdoor lighting to preserve nocturnal insect prey populations.
Co-Migrant no rights reserved · cc0
Neighboring Species (c) Fyn Kynd, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Kristof & Yulia, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) U.S. Department of Agriculture, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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