Bats are primarily nocturnal, active at night and resting in sheltered locations during the day. While this is their typical behavior, bats may sometimes be observed flying during daylight hours. Such activity is generally an exception, often indicating specific circumstances influencing their behavior.
Why Bats Are Nocturnal
Bats have evolved numerous adaptations that allow them to thrive in darkness, making their nocturnal lifestyle effective. A primary reason for their nighttime activity is the availability of their food source: nocturnal insects. Many insects, such as moths and mosquitoes, become active after sunset, providing an abundant food supply.
Another advantage of nocturnal life is predator avoidance. Many of bats’ natural predators, including birds of prey like hawks and eagles, are diurnal, meaning they hunt during the day. By being active at night, bats reduce their risk of becoming prey.
Most bat species possess an advanced sensory system called echolocation, which allows them to navigate and hunt in darkness. They emit high-pitched sounds and interpret the echoes that return, creating a detailed sound map of their environment. Echolocation provides an advantage for maneuvering and finding prey at night.
Reasons Bats May Fly During the Day
Observing a bat flying during daylight hours is unusual and often signals a departure from its normal routine. One common reason is disturbance to their roosting site. Loud noises, human activity, or environmental changes like construction or tree removal can force bats to leave their resting spots prematurely.
A concern when a bat is seen during the day is illness or injury. A bat that is sick, potentially with rabies, or injured may become disoriented, unable to fly properly, or stranded outside its roost. Such bats might exhibit erratic flight or be found on the ground.
Young bats learning to fly may inadvertently emerge during the day. These juveniles might become separated from their mothers or be inexperienced in navigating their surroundings, leading to daytime flights. Bats undertaking long migratory journeys might continue flying into daylight hours to reach their destinations, especially during spring or autumn. Severe food scarcity or the destruction of their roost could also compel bats to seek new resources or shelter.
What to Do If You See a Bat During the Day
Encountering a bat during the day requires caution, as daytime activity can be a sign of illness. Never approach or attempt to touch a bat, especially one that appears sick, injured, or is behaving unusually. Bats can carry the rabies virus, and bites can be tiny and easily unnoticed.
If you find a bat on the ground, flying erratically, or in an unusual location like inside your home, maintain a safe distance. Contact your local animal control, public health department, or a trained wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. These professionals can handle the animal safely and determine if it needs testing. Do not attempt to capture or care for the bat yourself.