Eight species of bats have been documented in Fairfax County: Big brown bat, Eastern red bat, Evening bat, Tri-colored bat, Hoary bat, Little brown bat, Northern long-eared bat, and Silver-haired bat. Big brown bats and Eastern red bats are the most commonly observed bats in Fairfax County. Tri-colored bats and Little brown bats are listed as state endangered species, and Northern long-eared bats are listed as state and federally threatened.

Bat species found in Fairfax County range in size from wingspans less than 9 inches (Little brown bat) to over 15 inches (Hoary bat). Body color can range from gray to dark brown, depending on species.

To learn more, please visit A Guide to the Bats of Virginia.

All species of bat in Fairfax County are nocturnal. Most species are communal roosters and live in large colonies. All species hibernate in winter. Bats establish large maternity colonies and generally give birth to a single offspring.

All species in Fairfax County are insectivorous. These bats depend on echolocation for direction and orientation when in flight.

Most species aggregate in small caves, rock crevices, tree hollows, or under loose tree bark.Some colonies will opportunistically roost in attics, basements, barns or other locations with small openings to enter from the outside.

For information on managing wildlife interactions and resolving human-wildlife conflicts, the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline is available toll-free at (855) 571-9003, 8:00AM-4:30PM, Monday through Friday.This helpline is a collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Wildlife Services.