A bat is a mammal in the order, Chiroptera. Their most distinguishing feature is that their forelimbs develop as wings, making them the only mammals in the world naturally capable of flight.Bats eat a variety of foods, depending on species: there are fruit-eating bats, insect-eating bats, fish-eating bats, and the well-known–but misunderstood–vampire bat. The central Illinois area contains only insect-eating bats, which can eat over 200 mosquitos and other insects in one night.
Some of the species of bats that you might find in the Illinois area include the Eastern Pipistrel, Red Bat, Big Brown Bat, Silver Haired Bat, Small-footed Myotis, Hoary Bat, and the Evening Bat.
Young are born between May and June. The mother usually has 1 young at a time, but can occasionally have two.
Some species of bats hibernate due to the lack of food availability.
Have a bat in your house, or found one that is sick, injured, or orphaned? Please refer to our Wildlife Help and Resources page: https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wildlife/wildlife-help-and-resources/bats/