Bats

A hoary bat

USGS photo by Frank Bonaccorso.

Bats are part of the mammalian order Chiroptera, which is ancient Greek for "hand wing." There are over 1,200 species of bats worldwide, with 10 species that call Glacier National Park home. All of Glacier's bat species are insectivores (insect-eaters) and include:

• Big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
• Silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)
• Eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis)
• Hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
• California myotis (Myotis californicus)
• Long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis)
• Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus)
• Long-legged myotis (Myotis volans)
• Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis)
• Western small-footed bat (Myotis ciliolabrum)

Details

Activity

Wildlife Watching

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Various locations

Bats are typically seen at dawn and dusk in areas with insects, such as near water and along forest edges. Bats in Glacier use both natural habitats and human structures like bridges and buildings to roost.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Bat activity has been documented every month of the year in Glacier, but it is unlikely that you will see one during the winter. Some species do not hibernate but migrate long distances to areas where temperature and insect populations remain high enough for continued activity.

Time of Day

Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

In addition to driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road and other park roads, the Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail, the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, and the Trail of the Cedars are three of Glacier’s most accessible areas.

Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.