Utah is one of the most bat-diverse states in the continental United States, hosting 18 recorded bat species. While most Utahns never see these animals, several species have adapted extraordinarily well to living alongside humans — roosting in attics, wall voids, chimneys, and commercial buildings. Understanding which species you’re dealing with is relevant to removal timing, colony size expectations, and compliance with wildlife protection laws.
The 4 Species Most Commonly Found in Utah Homes
1. Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) — Most Common in Utah Attics
The big brown bat is the species our team encounters most frequently in residential attic exclusion jobs throughout northern Utah. These bats are year-round residents — they don’t migrate and may remain in your attic through winter in a torpor state. Key facts:
- Body length: 4–5 inches | Wingspan: 12–16 inches
- Colony size: 20–300 in residential structures
- Range in Utah: Statewide, especially common along the Wasatch Front
- Roost preference: Attics, wall voids, behind shutters, in soffits
- Status: Common, not protected under ESA
2. Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) — Forms Utah’s Largest Colonies
Little brown bats form the largest attic colonies of any Utah bat species — sometimes over 1,000 animals in a single structure. They’re migratory, spending summers in Utah attics and winters in caves and mines. Their large colony size means faster guano accumulation and more complex exclusion.
- Body length: 3–3.5 inches | Wingspan: 8–11 inches
- Colony size: 50–1,000+ in residential structures
- Range in Utah: Common statewide, especially mountain communities
- Status: A species of concern — populations have declined due to White-Nose Syndrome
3. Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus) — Common in Southern Utah
The pallid bat is a large, pale bat that’s particularly common in southern Utah (Washington, Iron, and Kane counties) and occasionally found in central Utah. Unlike most Utah bat species, pallid bats regularly land on the ground to hunt large prey including scorpions, crickets, and small lizards. They roost in rock crevices, buildings, and occasionally attics.
- Body length: 4.5–5.5 inches | Wingspan: 14–16 inches
- Range: Southern and central Utah
- Roost preference: Rock crevices, building walls, attics in southern Utah
- Status: A species of concern in Utah
4. Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis) — Near Water Sources
The Yuma myotis is strongly associated with water and is commonly found in homes near rivers, lakes, and wetlands throughout Utah. Properties near the Jordan River, Utah Lake, Bear Lake, and riparian corridors along the Wasatch Front frequently encounter this species.
- Body length: 3–3.5 inches | Wingspan: 9–10 inches
- Colony size: Can be large (hundreds) in structures near water
- Range: Statewide near water sources
Other Utah Bat Species That Occasionally Use Structures
- Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis): Forms enormous colonies — sometimes thousands — primarily in southern and central Utah. The fastest bat in North America. Droppings accumulate very rapidly in large colonies.
- Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii): A sensitive species that uses abandoned buildings and attics for maternity roosts. Special compliance considerations apply.
- Western Small-Footed Myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum): Found in desert and semi-arid areas of Utah. Occasionally uses buildings.
- Long-Eared Myotis (Myotis evotis): Mountain forests of Utah. Occasionally enters structures in forested areas like the Uintas and Wasatch.
- Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes): Found throughout Utah, occasionally in structures at higher elevations.
Does the Species Change How Removal Works?
For most common species (big brown bat, little brown bat, Yuma myotis), the exclusion process is similar. However, species identification matters for:
- ESA compliance: Some Utah bat species have special federal protections. A licensed professional ensures your exclusion is compliant.
- Colony size and guano expectations: A little brown bat colony typically requires more cleanup than a comparably-sized big brown bat colony
- Exclusion timing: Some species have slightly different maternity season timelines
- Southern Utah considerations: Desert species like the pallid bat and free-tailed bat may require different exclusion approaches than Wasatch Front species
Our free inspections include species identification as standard. Call (801) 675-8829 to schedule yours.
Utah Wildlife Specialists — UDWR Licensed | All Utah bat species | 15+ years
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