Bats in Illinois

There are 13 species of bats that are native to Illinois. The common ones that people are most likely to see are the Big Brown Bat, the Eastern Red Bat, the Little Brown Bat, and the Silver-haired Bat. The largest is the Hoary Bat, with a wingspan of about 16 inches, while the Tricolored Bat is the smallest, with its wingspan only reaching 10 inches at most.

Different Types of Bats in Illinois

Vesper Bats (Vespertilionidae)

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

Places To Go Bat Watching in Illinois

Over 500 Little Brown Bats have taken up permanent residence in a gazebo in Lake County Forest Preserve, Shelter E. Besides the preserve, bats can be seen in Volo Bog, Brookfield Zoo, and Lincoln Park Zoo.

FAQ

1. Are bats protected in Illinois?

All Illinois bats have protection under the Wildlife Code. Per the Code, no bat species may be shot at, trapped, or captured to be kept as pets.

2. Do bats hibernate in Illinois?

Of the 13 species living in the state, 6 undergo hibernation. These include the Little Brown Bat, the Indiana Bat, the Tricolored Bat, the Southeastern Myotis, the Big Brown Bat, and the Eastern Red Bat.

3. Are there vampire bats in Illinois?

No, there are not only no vampire bats native to Illinois, no members of this family of bats can be found in the entire continent.