Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Hoary Bat

The largest bat in Virginia!

With the recent warm weather, we’ve been busy returning many otherwise-healthy patients back to their natural habitats—including some of our overwintering bats, like this Hoary Bat!

This female bat was found outside on a cold winter day in late February. She was lethargic and unable to find shelter.

Concerned for her well-being, a kind rescuer safely contained her and brought her to us for evaluation. Thankfully, she had no major injuries, but she was underweight and still sluggish after rewarming.

After weeks of care—including nutritious meals, rehydration, and plenty of rest—she perked up and became much more active.

Before release, we ensured she could fly and maneuver properly. Check out this video to see her beautiful flight around her pre-release enclosure! Once she aced her flight test, she was promptly cleared for release.

Found a Bat?

Bats may wake up and become active on warm winter days, but if temperatures drop again, they can become stranded in unsafe or exposed locations.

If you find a bat in need, give us a call at (540) 837-9000. We’re open 9 AM – 5 PM, 365 days a year to help with wildlife emergencies!

Never handle a bat with bare hands—they may be stressed and will react defensively.

Did You Know?

• Hoary Bats are the largest bats in Virginia—with a wingspan over 15 inches and weighing up to a whopping 30 grams (same as a AA battery).
• Hoary bats are the most widespread bat species in North America.
• They are migratory, traveling north in the spring to reach their breeding grounds.
• They have a furry tail membrane (affectionately called a “booty blanket”) that helps them stay warm while roosting.
• Hoary bats are experiencing significant population declines. Unlike many other bat species that roost in caves, hoary bats are tree-roosting bats, which makes them especially vulnerable to habitat disturbances.
• Hoary bats primarily eat moths, beetles, and other night-flying insects, many of which are agricultural pests.
• A single bat can eat hundreds of insects in a night, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and saving farmers billions of dollars annually!

Hoary bats are an essential part of the ecosystem, and their decline could have far-reaching consequences for agriculture and biodiversity. Protecting them means protecting our environment!

Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.