Bat Species Identification

Have you found an endangered species of bat in Virginia?

Quick Guide to Threatened and Endangered Bats of Virginia

Virginia Big Ear Bat

Gray Bat

Northern Long Ear Bat

Little Brown Myotis

Tricolored Bat

These are not the only the endangered / threatened species of bat in VA. Indiana bat and Rafinesque's bat are not pictured.

Rules of Thumb for Adult Bats:

Most endangered species are 2 inches or less, from the nose to the base of the tail, as adults.

Most would fit on the back of an adult persons thumb.

Tricolored Bat

Little Brown Myotis

Little brown bat vs. big brown bat

Diagram courtesy of Maggie Brown, Bat Care News

Rules of Thumb for Bat Pups:

Neonates (A, B, and C, above) of listed species are very small. Most are thumbnail sized or smaller.
Juveniles (D, E , above) are furred, but have a visible ‘neck’. They may be up to the size of the first joint of a thumb (1-2”).
Fully furred juveniles are still dependent on maternal care. If reunion is not possible, then please take to a bat rehabilitator.
Virginia big ear and Rafinesque’s bats are larger, but are easily distinguished by extremely large ears and a fleshy pad on the nose.