Bats in New Hampshire

Only 8 species of bats live in New Hampshire. Out of all of them, people are most likely to encounter the Little Brown Bat and the Big Brown Bat, which occasionally roost inside people’s homes. The Hoary Bat is the largest, while the Tricolored Bat is the smallest.

Different Types of Bats in New Hampshire

Vesper Bats (Vespertilionidae)

Big Brown Bat
Eastern Red Bat
Eastern Small-footed Bat
Hoary Bat
Little Brown Bat
Northern Long-eared Bat
Silver-haired Bat
Tricolored Bat

Places To Go Bat Watching in New Hampshire

There aren’t any well-known places where bats congregate in New Hampshire. But they are most active during the summer when they fly about in the woods at dusk. They also hunt for insects along streams and river corridors.

The Silver-haired and Eastern Red Bats prefer tall, mature trees, while the Northern Long-eared Bat can be spotted in successional or old-growth forests.

FAQ

1. Are there any endangered bats in New Hampshire?

Yes, the Eastern Small-footed Bat and the Little Brown Bat are both listed as endangered within the state, while the Northern Long-eared Bat is classified as endangered at both the federal and state levels.

2. Do bats hibernate in New Hampshire?

While bats native to the state will try to hibernate in caves or mines in New Hampshire, these locations in the state tend to be much less humid to sustain them over the winter. As a result, these bats are forced to migrate out of the state in search of better places to hibernate.