Indiana Bat
A small social bat winters in a few cold caves, migrates to summer forest roosts, and carries the name of the state where science first described it.
Artwork inspired by Franklin Booth
Indiana bats hibernate in dense colonies within a small number of caves and mines whose cold, stable microclimates are exceptionally specific. In spring, females migrate to maternity areas in forested landscapes, roosting beneath loose bark and raising one pup. Males may remain closer to hibernacula. The common name comes from the southern Indiana specimen used when the species was described, not from a range limited to the state.
Responsible “spotting” rarely means entering a cave. Winter disturbance forces bats to burn finite fat reserves, and white-nose syndrome has caused severe declines. In summer, watch unobtrusively over forest edges or water after sunset, but visual identification among small Myotis bats is unreliable. Never handle a grounded bat; protect people and the animal by contacting a wildlife professional.
- Status
- Federally endangered
- Winter
- Colonial cave hibernation
- Summer
- Forest maternity roosts
Quick guide
- Best evidence
- Small Myotis bat in verified habitat
- Do not rely on
- Visual identification alone
Observe an endangered bat without disturbing it
- Protect hibernation
- Never enter closed caves or approach winter clusters; disturbance can be fatal.
- Watch summer habitat
- Observe from a distance over streams and forest openings shortly after sunset.
- Leave identification open
- Indiana bats overlap several small brown species and often require expert acoustic or physical evidence.
- Respond safely
- Do not touch grounded bats; isolate people and pets and call public health or wildlife professionals.
Good to know
Echolocation, close measurements, and expert context are usually needed for confident identification. A small brown bat seen at dusk should remain unidentified rather than being forced into this endangered species.
Notice these
- Small dull-brown Myotis
- Mouse-like ears
- Colonial hibernation
- Summer bark roosts