Migration and Hibernation

Winter is on its way and for our local bats, that means either flying south to warmer weather or hunkering down for a long winter’s nap.

Several bats in Ohio including the evening bat, silver-haired bat, red bat, and hoary bat migrate out of Ohio when the weather starts to turn colder. While there is still some debate on where exactly they fly to, experts believe most of these species spend winters in the southern U.S.

Six species of bats stay in Ohio during the winter months. They hibernate, which means they slow their body systems down and decrease their body temperature to conserve energy until spring. In Ohio, bats hibernate in caves, abandoned mines, railroad tunnels, and rock shelters.

Remember, don’t disturb bats while they hibernate! Bats only have a limited store of energy to use until spring and they will need every bit of it.