Do bats come out at Halloween?

October is Bat Appreciation Month, when bats are celebrated through the spooky lens of Halloween. With its fall colors, warm mugs of tea, and homemade chili, it’s no surprise October aligns with my love of bats and Halloween. Also known as All Hallows Eve, Halloween is my favorite time of year to dress up, decorate with spooky and witchy décor, and watch Hocus Pocus.

However, it saddens me that the reliance we have on bats for our healthy and diverse ecosystems is overshadowed by the scariness and fear bats are unfairly associated with Halloween. Bats haven’t always fostered such trepidation and misunderstandings. The Celts, during their celebration of Samhain, wore costumes to ward off ghosts and lit bonfires, which attracted moths and insects, ultimately attracting bats. Did this association perpetuate the fear surrounding bats? Perhaps this is the genesis of the legend, but here you can read more about the history of bats and Halloween.

Today, beyond myths and folklore, bats in the U.S. and across the globe face innumerable threats and learning about their biology and endangered status is the first step toward protecting them.

Color outside the bat cave! Download NWF’s bat coloring pages and choose your favorite bat to color or color them all.

Spotted bat. Credit: NPS

Bat Myths

Are bats blind? Bats are often misunderstood, yet vital to healthy ecosystems. The myth that bats are blind doesn’t hold up, as most have excellent eyesight, and many can even see well in low light. But vision is only part of their story. Bats also rely on echolocation, using their immensely intricate ears to navigate the night and hunt with precision. The ears of bats vary widely between species, such as the Spotted Bat and Townsend’s big-eared bat.

Can I get rabies?

 Understandably, some people worry about getting rabies from bats. While all mammals can carry rabies, most bats do not have rabies. But, if you ever find a bat in your home, never touch it; their teeth are so small a bite may go unnoticed. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recommends opening several windows and allowing the bat to leave on its own or contact a licensed wildlife professional. Only a small percentage of bats test positive for the disease, and transmission to humans is rare. Still, the CDC advises against handling bats directly and recommends professional help if you encounter one.

Help expand bat habitat! View our bat tip sheet and learn how to create bat habitat or build a bat house in your own backyard.

Threats to Bats

Eastern red bat. Credit: USGS

However, these curious flying creatures are at risk for numerous reasons, such as habitat loss, disease such as white nose syndrome, climate change, human disturbance, chemical use, artificial illumination, and more. Read about some of these threats to bats not only in the U.S. but all over the world, followed by how you can help.

Habitat Loss. Destruction of forests, loss of native plants, demolition of old buildings, and increased urbanization have resulted in the loss of available roosting and foraging areas.

White Nosed Syndrome. White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease affecting hibernating bats, causing them to wake repeatedly during hibernation and depleting their fat reserves needed to survive.

Climate Change. Shifting temperatures and extreme weather events, like wildfires, droughts, and intense storms, can devastate bat habitats, even within the safety of caves.

Wind Turbines. Collisions with wind turbines kill hundreds of thousands of bats each year and are a leading cause of bat mortality in North America and Europe.

Chemicals. Avoid using pesticides and fertilizers, as these chemicals can poison bats and other wildlife.
Light Pollution. Although bats are not blind, artificial light disrupts their navigation, roosting, and feeding behaviors.

Test your knowledge about bats with our bat quiz!

How can you help?

Whenever I see the erratic flight of our nocturnal friendly fliers, I pause to appreciate the moment. Because while these threats are serious, there are practical steps you can take to help bats. When we help bats, we help our ecosystems. Here are some simple ways you can help in your backyard or in your community:

• Plant Native. One of the best ways to create habitat for wildlife is to install native plants.
• Build A Bat Box. Install a bat box in your yard to provide safe roosting space for endangered species, including the Northern long-eared bat, and other local bats. You can access tips, tools, and videos to help turn your outdoor space into a wildlife-friendly habitat. Watch a how-to video created by Roanoke College students for step-by-step guidance.
• Leave The Leaves. This fall, leave the leaves in your yard to provide winter shelter for several bat species.
• Turn Off Unnecessary Lights. Keep your yard darker to support bats, using red lights if illumination is needed, or better yet, minimize outdoor lighting altogether.
• Avoid Using Harmful Chemicals. Pesticides and fertilizers harm bats and other wildlife. Homeowners use up to 10 times more chemical pesticides per acre on their lawns than farmers use on crops.
• Be A Voice for Wildlife. No matter how big or small we think we are, when we speak up together, our voices can have a huge impact! It can be as simple as talking to friends and family, writing letters, and sharing your voice on social media.
• Support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. Encourage your Congressional representatives to fully support and help pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. This historic wildlife legislation offers the best hope for addressing the nation’s wildlife crisis.