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The roofline of a two-story Tennessee home with a brick chimney fitted with a stainless steel chimney cap, clean gutters and tree limbs hanging near the eaves, bright blue sky.

Wildlife of Tennessee · Bats

Big Brown Bat in Tennessee

Droppings (guano) can carry fungus spores, and bites can carry rabies. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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A big brown bat hanging from an attic rafter with wings folded, close realistic photo with a flashlight beam.

At a Glance

About the Big Brown Bat

Bats are valuable insect eaters, and several Tennessee species are protected. They can still end up in attics and walls, so removal has to be humane and timed to protect the pups.

Humane Exclusion

Risk: Droppings (guano) can carry fungus spores, and bites can carry rabies.

Call 615-357-7797

Scientific nameEptesicus fuscus
Size11 to 13 inch wingspan
Where it shows upAttics, wall voids, chimneys and barn rafters
When it is activeDusk to dawn, with pups from late May to July

Signs You Have One

How to Tell

These are the clues that point to a big brown bat.

  • Squeaking and scratching in walls at dusk
  • Dark stains and guano below entry gaps
  • Bats leaving the roofline at sunset

Humane Exclusion

What We Do About the Big Brown Bat

We favor exclusion, one-way exits and deterrents so the animal leaves on its own and cannot return. Trapping is used only where it is allowed and needed.

Prevention

Keep Them Away

Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.

  • Look for bats leaving at dusk
  • Never block an opening before the bats are out
  • Avoid exclusion in the pup season (about mid-May to July)
  • Seal every gap after the bats leave

Similar Animals

More Bats

Free Tool

What Animal Is It? Identifier

Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.

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Good to Know

Questions About Big Brown Bat

Still have a question?

Call 615-357-7797

How do I know if I have a big brown bat?

Common signs: squeaking and scratching in walls at dusk; dark stains and guano below entry gaps; bats leaving the roofline at sunset.

Is a big brown bat dangerous?

Droppings (guano) can carry fungus spores, and bites can carry rabies. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.

What does Music City Wildlife do about a big brown bat?

We favor exclusion, one-way exits and deterrents so the animal leaves on its own and cannot return. Trapping is used only where it is allowed and needed. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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Tell Us What Is Going On

Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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