Did you know Florida is home to 13 unique species of bats? That’s right!
From the tiny tricolored bat to the swift Brazilian free-tailed bat, these winged wonders play a vital role in keeping our ecosystems thriving. These fascinating creatures are pollinators, pest controllers, and seed dispersers, contributing to a healthy environment. Plus, they are the only mammals capable of true flight! How cool? Whether soaring through forests, wetlands, or urban skies, Florida’s bats are essential to maintaining the rich biodiversity that makes our state so unique.
Common Bat Species Found in Florida
Brazilian Free-tailed Bat
Known for its speed and agility, this species is one of the most common in Florida and often found roosting in buildings.
Evening Bat
A medium-sized species that roosts in tree cavities and plays a key role in controlling insect populations.
Tricolored Bat
As one of Florida’s smallest species, this bat can be identified by its three distinct fur colors and is often found near water sources.
Seminole Bat
With a beautiful reddish-brown coat, the Seminole bat prefers to roost in Spanish moss and tree foliage.
Florida Bonneted Bat
One of the rarest bats in the U.S., this species is endangered and primarily found in southern Florida.
Here’s a full list of the 13 bat species found in Florida:
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)
Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis)
Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus) – formerly known as the eastern pipistrelle
Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
Seminole Bat (Lasiurus seminolus)
Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis)
Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
Northern Yellow Bat (Lasiurus intermedius)
Velvety Free-Tailed Bat (Molossus molossus) – found mainly in southern Florida
Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens) – rare in Florida and federally listed as endangered
Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)
Southeastern Myotis (Myotis austroriparius)
Florida Bonneted Bat (Eumops floridanus) – one of the rarest bats in the U.S. and federally listed as endangered
Bat Myth-Busters
Myth: Bats are blind.
Fact: Bats can see quite well! In fact, some species can see better than humans at night. Many bats also rely on echolocation to navigate and hunt with great accuracy.
Myth: Bats are aggressive and will attack people.
Fact: Bats are generally shy and avoid humans. They do not attack unless threatened. In fact, they help us by keeping insect populations in check.
Myth: Bats will suck our blood.
Fact: No, bats do not feed on human blood. Out of over 1,400 species of bats worldwide, only three species—known as vampire bats—consume blood, and none of these species are found in Florida or the United States. These vampire bats, found in Latin America, primarily feed on the blood of livestock or birds, and they typically bite without harming their host.
Protecting Florida’s Bats
Bats are essential to Florida’s environment, but many species face threats from habitat loss, disease, and human disturbance. Fortunately, you can help protect these important creatures in several ways:
- Creating bat-friendly habitats by installing bat houses, preserving natural roosting sites like dead trees, and planting native vegetation will help their chances of survival.
- Reducing pesticide use and promoting natural pest control ensures a clean water source and a healthy food supply for bats!
- Supporting conservation organizations through donations, volunteering, or participating in citizen science projects are great ways to aid bat conservation efforts. Spreading awareness about the importance of bats and advocating for bat-friendly policies also make a big impact.
- Being mindful of disease prevention, such as White-Nose Syndrome, by cleaning hiking and caving gear, is crucial to stopping its spread.
Join the Florida Wildlife Federation in celebrating and protecting Florida’s bats—nature’s nighttime guardians!
We have a small field, bordered by wetlands, out of our front door. Every evening around dusk there anywhere from just two to about ten small bats zooming around like fighter jets. We love watching them. I’m guessing they are feeding. Any idea what type?