Species · GBIF taxon 5218544
Hoary Bat
Lasiurus cinereusHoary bats are solitary, tree-roosting mammals easily recognized by their dense, dark brown fur tipped with frosty white, giving them a frosted appearance. Unlike many other bats, they spend their days hanging in the open foliage of trees rather than in caves, relying on their excellent camouflage to blend in with bark and leaves. During autumn, these remarkable flyers embark on long-distance migrations to warmer southern climates, navigating vast distances across North America.
MigratoryNocturnalInsectivorous
Licensed referencePhotographer: Paul Cryan, U.S. Geological Survey / Public domain · cc0
- diet
- Flying insects, especially large moths, beetles, and wasps
- family
- Vespertilionidae
- threats
- Wind turbine collisions, habitat loss, and pesticide use reducing insect prey
- life Span
- 6 to 12 years
LC
Can carry rabies and may bite if handled; observe from a safe distance and never touch.
Populations face severe threats from wind energy development, as migrating individuals are highly susceptible to wind turbine collisions.
Avoid disturbing roosting bats in trees, and support bat-friendly wind energy practices in your region.- Acoustic Detection: Use a bat detector to listen for their low-frequency echolocation calls on summer nights.
- Tree Gazing: Scan the undersides of branches in dense foliage to spot roosting individuals during the day.
- Leave in Place: If you find one resting on the ground, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately.