Bats are present in Georgia, forming an integral part of the state’s natural ecosystems. These nocturnal mammals are found across various landscapes, from dense forests to urbanized areas. Georgia’s diverse habitats provide the necessary conditions for these creatures to thrive.
Bat Species Found in Georgia
Georgia is home to sixteen documented bat species. Among the most commonly encountered are the Big Brown Bat, Little Brown Bat, and Mexican Free-tailed Bat. The Big Brown Bat frequently roosts in human structures and consumes insects, including beetles. The Little Brown Bat also plays a significant role in controlling insect populations and often roosts in sheltered places like woodpiles, tree hollows, and caves.
Other species like the Eastern Red Bat are smaller and typically roost in trees, recognizable by their rusty-red fur. The state also hosts several species of conservation concern, including the federally endangered Indiana Bat and Gray Bat, and the federally threatened Northern Long-eared Bat. These species require specific habitats, such as caves with particular temperature and humidity levels or large, hollow bottomland trees. The Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat prefers mature forests but can also be found in abandoned buildings.
Typical Bat Habitats
Bats in Georgia utilize a wide array of habitats for roosting, foraging, and raising their young. Natural roosting sites include caves, tree hollows, crevices, beneath loose bark, or within tree foliage. These natural shelters provide protection from predators and the elements, along with stable temperatures crucial for hibernation and raising pups. Some species, like the Gray Bat, are highly dependent on specific cave environments for their survival.
Many bat species have also adapted to human-made structures, often seeking shelter in attics, barns, and under bridges. These locations offer similar benefits to natural roosts, such as warmth, darkness, and security. The presence of bats in urban and agricultural landscapes highlights their adaptability, as they opportunistically use altered environments for roosting and foraging.
Living Alongside Bats
Bats are ecologically important creatures that provide significant benefits to Georgia’s ecosystems. All sixteen bat species in Georgia are insectivores, primarily consuming insects. They are highly effective at controlling populations of mosquitoes and agricultural pests, which can otherwise cause damage to crops and spread diseases. A single bat can consume hundreds of mosquitoes in an hour, making them valuable natural pest controllers.
While bats are beneficial, it is natural to have concerns about their presence, especially regarding rabies. Only a small percentage of bats, estimated between one and three percent, carry rabies in Georgia. Despite this low percentage, any direct contact with a bat should be taken seriously, as rabies is a fatal disease if not treated promptly. If a bat is found indoors, especially in a room where people have been sleeping, it is recommended to contact medical providers for guidance and, if possible, have the bat tested for rabies.
If a bat is found inside a home, it is important to avoid direct handling. Step-by-step instructions for safely removing a single bat from a home are available from wildlife organizations. For larger colonies or persistent issues, contacting a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator is advisable. These professionals can implement exclusion methods, which allow bats to exit a structure but prevent them from re-entering, without harming them. Avoid bat exclusion between April 1st and July 31st in Georgia, as this is the maternity season when flightless young may be present and could become trapped.