Bats in Arkansas

There are 16 species of bats that are native to Arkansas. The Eastern Red Bat is the most common, though the Big Brown and Tricolored Bats are also seen relatively often. One of the largest bats in the United States – the Hoary Bat with a wingspan reaching up to 16 inches – also occurs in Arkansas. As for the smallest bat in Arkansas, that would be the Tricolored Bat with a wingspan of around 9 inches.

While bats are associated with caves, it is worth noting that different species may roost in other locations. For instance, in Arkansas, the Seminole Bat lives in the woods, while the Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat often makes its home in abandoned buildings. Even more interesting, some bats, like the Indiana Bat, will roost in the woods during the summer and find a suitable cave to hibernate in the winter.

Different Types of Bats in Arkansas

Free-tailed Bats (Molossidae)

Mexican Free-tailed Bat

Vesper Bats (Vespertilionidae)

Big Brown Bat
Eastern Red Bat
Eastern Small-footed Bat
Evening Bat
Gray Bat
Hoary Bat
Indiana Bat
Little Brown Bat
Northern Long-eared Bat
Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat
Seminole Bat
Silver-haired Bat
Southeastern Myotis
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat
Tricolored Bat

Places To Go Bat Watching in Arkansas

The rare Gray Bat can be spotted in Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View. Generally, bats tend to become more visible during the summer, especially near bodies of water. The best time to see these creatures is at dusk when they venture out to hunt.

Not all bats are summer residents of the state. The Silver-haired Bat is spotted only during the spring and fall.

FAQs

1. Are there any endangered bats in Arkansas?

A subspecies of the Townsend’s Big-eared Bat, the Ozark Big-eared Bat, is only limited to a few caves in the entire country and is considered endangered. Other species that require special attention include the Gray Bat, the Indiana Bat, and the Northern Long-eared Bat.