Full Breakdown
Utah Bats: Summer Activity, Legal Protections, and Homeowner Guidance
7/21/2026, 11:23:36 AM
Seasonal Bat Activity and Human Interactions
Utah experiences a surge in bat visibility during July and August as juvenile bats, or pups, learn to fly and leave their roosts. The state’s Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) notes that encounters peak in September when migratory species, especially the Mexican free-tailed bat, move through the region. Because bats are protected wildlife, removal is prohibited when mothers are caring for young, and DWR advises waiting until the pups can fly before addressing roosts.
Data & Statistics
- Utah has 18 confirmed bat species, with the possibility of additional undocumented species.
- Five species migrate annually, departing from late August through October and returning in April–May.
- Female bats increase water consumption while nursing, and most bats feed almost exclusively on insects.
- Bats in Utah typically hibernate in small groups or singly, often in cliff crevices rather than large caves.
Official Guidance from the Division of Wildlife Resources
Kimberly Hersey, DWR’s mammal conservation coordinator, emphasizes that bat colonies may not be removed unless a direct human health or safety threat exists. The agency recommends sealing attic openings and exterior gaps after the young can fly, using materials such as caulking, hardware cloth, or foam sealant. For temporary exclusion, bird netting can be installed over openings for four to five days until bats have exited. Homeowners are also urged to cool attics with fans to make the space less attractive to bats.
Practical Prevention and Removal Steps
If a bat enters a living area, open a door or window, turn off interior lights, and illuminate the exterior to encourage exit. Should the bat remain, wear heavy leather gloves, capture it in a small box or can, and release it outdoors on a high object. To deter roosting on porches, hang streamers, balloons, or reflective objects that move with the breeze.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight,” — Kimberly Hersey, DWR mammal conservation coordinator
- “Poorly timed removals can also lead to bats inside attics suddenly finding their way inside someone's home because the mothers are trying to reach their young,” — Kimberly Hersey
- “What to do if you find bats in your house Bats can carry rabies, a deadly virus that can be transmitted to people, so they shouldn't be handled with bare hands, according to the DWR.” — Kimberly Hersey
- “Although it may be inconvenient, you should wait until the young can fly, and then you can safely, humanely and permanently address the issue and prevent them from roosting on your property in the future,” — Kimberly Hersey
