Naturalist Notes: Bats
Written by: Cathy Wesley - JNC guide
Michigan’s Spooky Skies
As October chills the air and Halloween creeps closer, Michigan’s bats are out in full spooky force, making their final moves before winter. These night-flying creatures aren’t just haunting the skies—they’re busy getting ready for the cold in their own eerie ways. Let’s dive into the mysterious world of Michigan’s nine bat species and see what they’re up to this haunted month!
Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) – If you hear something scratching in your walls, don’t panic! It might just be a Big Brown Bat looking for its winter hideaway. These tough little survivors are the last to hibernate and might just be hiding in your attic, waiting for the cold to come.
Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) – Silent as a ghost, the Little Brown Bat is flitting through the night, gobbling up bugs like candy corn. Soon, they’ll vanish into caves and mines, wrapping themselves in the darkness until spring. Sleep tight!
Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis) – Like a leaf blown by the wind, Eastern Red Bats dangle from trees, hidden in the autumn colors. Some will disappear into the woods, curling up under leaf piles to hibernate, while others fly off to warmer lands—maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of one before it’s gone!
Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus) – With their frost-tipped fur, Hoary Bats are the ghosts of the forest. These travelers are already packing their bags, heading south on long, eerie journeys. If you spot one, it might just be bidding Michigan farewell for the season!
Silver-Haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) – Dressed in silver and black, these bats look like they’re ready for a Halloween party. But they’ve got their eyes on the sky—by October, they’re zooming south to escape the winter chill, disappearing into the night like specters.
Tri-Colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus) – Delicate and batty, the Tri-Colored Bat is searching for a quiet cave to haunt. By the end of October, they’ll be hanging in the shadows, deep in hibernation. Who knows? They might already be hiding under your feet in a nearby tunnel!
Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) – Masters of hiding, these bats are finding the darkest, creepiest caves to spend their winter. October is their time to sneak away and vanish into the inky blackness of Michigan’s caves. Watch your step!
Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis) – Evening Bats are like Halloween visitors—they’re here one moment, gone the next. By October, they’re flying south, leaving Michigan behind. If you blink, you might miss their farewell flight!
Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) – Endangered and elusive, Indiana Bats are racing against time to build up their winter fat. Soon, they’ll vanish into caves, where they’ll sleep soundly in the dark, safe from the outside world. If you see one, count yourself lucky—they’re as rare as a full moon on Halloween!
So, as Michigan’s bats flit through the twilight skies, they’re doing more than just adding to the spooky vibe of the season—they’re on a mission to survive the cold months ahead. Whether they’re disappearing into leaf piles or embarking on long migrations, they remind us that the night holds more than just tricks and treats. Keep an eye out for their eerie silhouettes before they’re gone for the season!
(artwork by Brush & Bark)