Wildlife of Tennessee · Bats
Gray Bat in Tennessee
A federally protected species, so you must not disturb its roost. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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At a Glance
About the Gray 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.
Protected Species
Risk: A federally protected species, so you must not disturb its roost.
Signs You Have One
How to Tell
These are the clues that point to a gray bat.
- Large cave colonies near Tennessee rivers
- Bats feeding low over rivers and lakes at dusk
- Roosts in caves and large culverts
A Protected Species
What We Do About the Gray Bat
This animal is protected by state or federal law, so we do not harm it. We inspect, advise and, where the law allows, use exclusion with the right timing. If you are unsure, call us before you do anything.
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
Humane ExclusionBats
Big Brown Bat
Eptesicus fuscus
Droppings (guano) can carry fungus spores, and bites can carry rabies.
Humane ExclusionBats
Little Brown Bat
Myotis lucifugus
Populations have dropped from white-nose syndrome, and exclusion has to be timed with care.
Humane ExclusionBats
Tricolored Bat
Perimyotis subflavus
A species of concern, so handling must follow state and federal guidance.
Protected SpeciesFree 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.
Related Guides
Read More Before You Call
Tennessee RulesProtected Bats in Tennessee and Why Timing Matters
Bats eat huge numbers of insects and several Tennessee species are endangered. That is why bat work has rules.
Read the guide
Tennessee RulesTennessee Wildlife Rules Every Homeowner Should Know
Wildlife is regulated in Tennessee. That is good for animals, and it means homeowners should know the basics before acting.
Read the guide
Seasons and Baby SeasonBaby Season: When Wildlife Has Young in Tennessee
Spring and summer are baby season in Tennessee. It is when most animals look for a safe, warm place for their young, and it is the most important time to get removal right.
Read the guideHow do I know if I have a gray bat?
Common signs: large cave colonies near Tennessee rivers; bats feeding low over rivers and lakes at dusk; roosts in caves and large culverts.
Is a gray bat dangerous?
A federally protected species, so you must not disturb its roost. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.
What does Music City Wildlife do about a gray bat?
This animal is protected by state or federal law, so we do not harm it. We inspect, advise and, where the law allows, use exclusion with the right timing. If you are unsure, call us before you do anything. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
Free Estimate
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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Music City Wildlife removes and prevents wildlife problems in homes and businesses across Nashville and Middle Tennessee, from squirrels in the attic to bats in the walls, with humane methods, careful sealing and cleanup.
- 615-357-7797
- Open 24 hours for emergencies
- Nashville, Tennessee · Servicing Middle Tennessee
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