Hoary Bats are one of Ohio's 13 bat species that can be found throughut Cincinnati.
The Hoary Bat is listed as a vulnerable species in Ohio and the United States as a whole. This is largely due to wind turbines, as it is believed that they are attracted to them, and are killed when the turbines become active. Most of these deaths occur during their migration period in the winter and fall. These bats can be found everywhere here in Ohio and can be found in every state of the United States, except Alaska. Historically, the Hoary Bat can be found here in Ohio in the spring and fall when they are migrating north. However, recently they are staying here for mating and breeding.
The Hoary bat is the largest bat found here in Ohio with a size of 5-6 inches long. These bats have black bands, tan bands, and dark brown bands, all of which are tipped with white color. These white tips are where the name Hoary comes from which is an older word for grayish white.
Hoary Bats can be found in every state in the continental United States. They can be found as far north as northern Canada and as far south as southern Mexico.
These bats primarily feast on moths, but they also tend to eat grasshoppers, dragonflies, and flies. Because this bat is so large, it can also attack smaller bats such as the tri-colored bat.
Mating occurs right when the Hoary Bats start migrating, which occurs in late August. When they give birth they tend to have twins but they can also have quadruplets. Young will learn to fly at 5 weeks and will be on their own at 7 weeks.
Here in Ohio, Hoary bats tend to live in the forested areas of the state. Sometimes they can be found roosting on cliffsides, but are rarely seen in caves. When hunting these bats will hunt in open areas such as fields, and riversides.
Information on other types of Ohio Bats
