Bats in Indiana

There are 13 species of bats that are native to Indiana. Besides the appropriately named Indiana Bat, the state is home to the giant Hoary Bat, the small Tricolored Bat, and the rare Gray Bat.

Different Types of Bats in Indiana

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 Myotis
Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat
Silver-haired Bat
Southeastern Myotis
Tricolored Bat

Places To Go Bat Watching in Indiana

Three sites in southern Indiana encompass over 600 acres and are dedicated to protecting and conserving bats. These sites even include caves where bats can hibernate when it gets cold. Firstly, we have Wallier Woods, where the Indiana Bat and the Northern Long-eared Myotis can be seen. Next, we have Chelsea Flatwoods, an area for bats that prefer living in the woods. And finally, Jug Hole Cave, where up to 70,000 Indiana Bats come to hibernate yearly.

FAQ

1. Are bats protected in Indiana?

Yes, most of the bats in the state are protected because they are either endangered in the state, like the Indiana Bat or are listed as a “Special Concern,” like the Eastern Red Bat.

2. Are Indiana bats dangerous?

While there is a risk of bats having rabies, this is rare and easily recognizable.

3. Do bats hibernate in Indiana?

Yes, species like the Indiana Bat have been known to undergo hibernation in caves or cave-like structures such as mines or attics during the winter.