Bats in New Jersey

There are only 9 species of bats native to New Jersey. The most common of them people regularly come in contact with are the Little Brown Bat and the Big Brown Bat. These two tend to roost inside human dwellings, especially in attics, and interact with humans.

The Hoary Bat is the largest in the state, with a wingspan of 13-16 inches, while the Tricolored Bat, formerly the Eastern Pipistrelle, is the smallest, with a wingspan of 8-10 inches.

Different Types of Bats in New Jersey

Vesper Bats (Vespertilionidae)

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

Places To Go Bat Watching in New Jersey

In Bergen County, Garfield’s Wildlife Conservation and Education Center has earned the nickname “Bat Cave” as it houses live bats that can be found in New Jersey to educate people about them.

FAQ

1. Are there any endangered bats in New Jersey?

The Tricolored Bat has recently been listed as endangered in New Jersey. Besides that species, all other bat species are protected by state law, and killing bats in New Jersey is illegal.

2. Do bats in New Jersey migrate or hibernate in the winter?

The Eastern Red Bat, the Hoary Bat, and the Silver-haired Bat are all migratory and leave the state in the winter and fly south to warmer places. The rest will hibernate in caves or abandoned mines starting around October and will emerge between March and April.