Division of Fish & Wildlife

Bats are one of the most mysterious and least understood groups of mammals.

Bats are the only mammals that can fly. Some of Delaware’s tree bat species migrate long distances from summer roosts to their wintering grounds, while our cave bat species fly to the caves and mines of other states to hibernate. In their travels, they have been known to fly over land, along coastlines and over water much like migrating birds. Each spring, our bats return and grow strong after the long drain of winter by feasting on Delaware’s insects.

Bats provide a valuable, organic service to people - we do not miss the mosquitoes, beetles, moths, and crop pests that little brown bats eat! In fact, to gain the energy needed to nurse their young, female bats can eat the equivalent of their body weight in insects each night. Having a lifespan of 5 to 20 years and raising only one pup per summer (some species have twins), bats are loyal and will return to the same roost every year.

Discover the bats of Delaware; the species we have, how to attract or safely evict them, get information about White Nose Syndrome, find out what the state is doing for bats, and how you can help!