Many Californians do not often see bats, but bats are active all over the Golden State. Every night bats fly through our fields, neighborhoods, and cities, eating massive numbers of insect pests. They are vital to maintaining a healthy ecosystem and benefit our crops by reducing the amount of pesticides agriculturalists need to apply. They are also a fascinating, diverse group of mammals. Unfortunately, bats face many threats, including White-nose Syndrome, a devastating fungal disease that has been spreading across North America. In coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is closely monitoring bat populations to respond to this threat.
If you are lucky enough to see a group of roosting bats, CDFW would like to know about it! Knowing where bats roost allows us to prioritize surveillance efforts, monitor population trends, and protect California’s bats.
Report bat colonies here: CDFW Bat Colony Reporting