Bats are present in New York State. These winged mammals are a natural part of New York’s ecosystems, playing a role in insect control. They contribute to the balance of natural environments across the state.
Common Bat Species
New York is home to nine native bat species. The little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) was once the most common species, known for its small size and brownish fur. The big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) is larger, with glossy brown fur, often found near human structures.
Migratory tree bats inhabit New York during warmer months. The Eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) has reddish fur and white shoulder patches, often roosting in tree foliage. Hoary bats (Aeorestes cinereus), the largest in New York, have frosted, silver-tipped fur and solitary tree-roosting habits. The silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) has dark brown to black fur with silvery tips.
Vulnerable species include the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). Indiana bats are uniformly dark grey to grayish-brown and hibernate in tight clusters. Northern long-eared bats have long ears and depend on forests for roosting and foraging. The tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), formerly the Eastern pipistrelle, is the smallest bat in New York, with yellowish-brown fur banded with three colors.
New York Bat Habitats
Bats in New York utilize diverse environments for roosting, raising young, and foraging. Forests provide shelter, foraging grounds, and water sources for many bat species.
Tree bats, such as the Eastern red bat and Hoary bat, roost exclusively in the foliage of living trees. Other forest-dwelling bats, like the Northern long-eared bat, roost under loose bark or in tree cavities, including dead or dying trees.
Caves and abandoned mines serve as hibernacula, or wintering sites, for six of New York’s bat species, including the little brown, big brown, and Indiana bats. These underground locations offer stable temperatures and humidity, suitable for hibernation.
Urban and suburban areas also support bat populations, with some species, like the big brown bat, roosting in buildings, bridges, and other human-made structures. Bats forage for insects along forest edges, over water bodies, and in open areas, including urban parks.
Conservation and Health Considerations
Bat populations in New York face challenges, primarily from White-nose Syndrome (WNS) and habitat loss. White-nose Syndrome is a fungal disease that affects hibernating bats, causing them to awaken frequently during winter and deplete their fat reserves, often leading to starvation. This disease, first detected in New York in 2006, has caused declines, with some species experiencing more than 90% population loss. The Northern long-eared bat has seen a 99% decline and is now federally and state listed as endangered.
While most bats do not carry rabies, rabies is a concern. 3% of bats tested in New York State are found to be rabid. Rabies is primarily transmitted through a bite, and bat bites can be very small and difficult to detect. If a bat is found in a living space with a sleeping person, an unattended child, or someone with impaired judgment, it is recommended to capture the bat for rabies testing.
Avoid direct contact with bats and seek advice from local health departments if contact occurs. Bats are not aggressive and play a role in controlling insect populations, including mosquitoes. Efforts to conserve bats include protecting their habitats, especially caves and mines during hibernation, and managing forests sustainably.