Bats

A bat seen against the evening sky is usually easier to recognize as a bat than to identify to species. Utah's bats differ in size, ears, flight style and roosting habits; a dark silhouette alone is not a reliable species identification. They are true flying mammals, and their use of echolocation helps them locate prey. Utah's species feed almost entirely on insects. A bat circling over water may be taking advantage of both a drinking place and a concentration of food.

DWR reported 18 confirmed Utah bat species in July 2026, with the greatest diversity in the south. Their roosts are varied: trees, rock crevices, caves, mines and buildings can all matter, depending on the species and season. Winter strategies differ too. Some bats migrate, some hibernate, and some combine movements with periods of dormancy. Utah bats often hibernate alone or in small groups, so images of enormous eastern cave colonies are not a good model for every western bat.

Summer colonies may include mothers and flightless pups. Blocking the adults' entrance can leave young trapped inside, which is why a building problem should be assessed before openings are sealed. For wildlife viewing, choose an open public place and watch passing bats without entering a roost or shining lights into it. The rewarding observation is their normal flight and feeding, with no need to touch, catch or wake an animal.

A flying mammal; telling species apart takes more than a fleeting silhouette.

Utah protects its bats; roost protection and appropriately timed conflict management matter.

Never handle a bat. For possible human contact, obtain prompt medical/public-health advice; ask DWR or a qualified professional about building colonies before sealing entrances.