
Wildlife of Tennessee · Bats
Indiana Bat in Tennessee
A federally protected species, so report any roost to TWRA or USFWS. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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At a Glance
About the Indiana 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 report any roost to TWRA or USFWS.
Signs You Have One
How to Tell
These are the clues that point to a indiana bat.
- Roosts under loose bark on dead trees in summer
- Tight winter clusters in caves
- A rare bat that does not usually enter homes
A Protected Species
What We Do About the Indiana 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
Hiring and ProcessDIY Wildlife Removal: Common Mistakes That Make It Worse
Doing it yourself can work for a small problem, but the most common mistakes make it bigger and harder to fix.
Read the guide
Identify the Animal10 Signs You Have Wildlife in Your Home
You do not always see the animal. Here are ten signs that something has moved in.
Read the guideHow do I know if I have a indiana bat?
Common signs: roosts under loose bark on dead trees in summer; tight winter clusters in caves; a rare bat that does not usually enter homes.
Is a indiana bat dangerous?
A federally protected species, so report any roost to TWRA or USFWS. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.
What does Music City Wildlife do about a indiana 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.
Get Your Free Estimate

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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