Bat species reference

The bats most often found around structures in the U.S., and which carry federal protection.

Reference only — this is not a species-ID tool.

Correctly identifying a bat, and its legal status, takes an expert, and federal and state protections change. When you're not sure what you're looking at, that's a call — not a guess.

Big brown bat
Eptesicus fuscus
Not listed
The bat most often found in U.S. buildings — hardy and adaptable, roosting in attics, wall voids, and behind shutters and trim.
Eastern red bat
Lasiurus borealis
Not listed
A tree-roosting bat that rarely enters structures; usually found roosting alone in foliage.
Evening bat
Nycticeius humeralis
Not listed
A southeastern bat that readily roosts in buildings and tree cavities.
Gray bat
Myotis grisescens
Endangered (federal)
Federally endangered and cave-dependent, found in the Southeast. Rare in buildings, but protected wherever present.
Hoary bat
Lasiurus cinereus
Not listed
A large, migratory tree-roosting bat; rarely found in buildings.
Indiana bat
Myotis sodalis
Endangered (federal)
Federally endangered. Roosts mainly under loose bark and in caves, occasionally in structures across parts of the eastern U.S.
Little brown bat
Myotis lucifugus
Proposed for federal listing
Once one of the most common attic bats; populations crashed from white-nose syndrome and it is now under federal review. Confirm its current status before any exclusion.
Mexican free-tailed bat
Tadarida brasiliensis
Not listed
Forms very large colonies in the South and Southwest, sometimes in buildings, bridges, and culverts.
Northern long-eared bat
Myotis septentrionalis
Endangered (federal)
Federally endangered. A wrong "open window" against this species is serious — confirm the identification and check with USFWS before any exclusion.
Tricolored bat
Perimyotis subflavus
Proposed for federal listing
A small, formerly widespread bat proposed for federal listing after steep white-nose declines.

Not sure what you're dealing with?

A protected species, or a job bigger than you want, is a two-taps handoff — or check the rules for your county first.

Hand off a job Check compliance for my county

Federal listing status can change. Confirm current status with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and your state wildlife agency before any exclusion. Decision-support, not legal advice.