![]() They do so because food is scarce where they are or because their particular bat species follows a seasonal migration pattern similar to those associated with other winged creatures, such as birds and butterflies. Some bats migrate to warmer weather rather than hibernate. Related > How to Help Keep Critters Out of the Attic When do bats migrate? Their maternity colonies are commonly found in attics through late summer, as the high heat helps the bats focus less on staying warm and more on spending their energy on growing. The little brown bat and big brown bat especially enjoy roosting in homes and other buildings. Attics and crawl spaces provide some of the most hospitable environments for bats seeking a hibernation spot adjacent to warm vents or pipes. However, some bats are perfectly happy to come inside. Hollow trees, barns and empty outbuildings near homes are easy places for bats to congregate undisturbed. Bats can also hibernate in close proximity to humans. Most bats prefer to hibernate in dark and secluded places, which is why bat colonies are often found in caves or other isolated areas. Bats can lower their body temperature from a normal level of 100 degrees or more all the way to 40 degrees or less as needed to preserve energy. The torpor state also allows bats to adapt to their surroundings. This maintains the bat’s energy level at 2 percent of normal life functions and allows it to survive for up to six months on a very small amount of stored body fat.Ī bat can lose as much as half of its body weight during hibernation. Each day its body cycles in and out of a deep resting state known as torpor, in which the bat's heartbeat slows from 200-300 beats per minute to as few as 10 beats per minute. When a bat hibernates, its metabolism slows down to conserve energy. While some bats are capable of activity during their hibernation period, they usually remain inactive due to their unique self-preservation process. In parts of Florida and other southern states, bats may be able to feed and stay active year-round. Bat hibernation patterns can vary by region, based on seasonal temperature differences across the country. ![]() Once insect activity begins to decline and bats begin looking for a place to hibernate (or enter a state or prolonged torpor), they may decide that your attic is the perfect place for a long winter’s nap.īats begin hibernating when the cold weather drives the insects away, typically around October and November, and emerge from hibernation in March. Some bats migrate to warmer areas while others hibernate.
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