October is Bat Awareness Month, and while we love celebrating these winged wonders with fun facts and folklore, it’s also a time to take meaningful action. Indiana’s native bats are facing serious threats—from habitat loss to disease—and your everyday choices can make a big difference.

Why Bat Conservation Matters

Bats are vital to Indiana’s ecosystems. They devour thousands of insects each night, including mosquitoes, moths, and crop pests. They help maintain forest health, support biodiversity, and even contribute to pollination. But species like the Indiana Bat, Northern Long-Eared Bat, and Little Brown Bat are now endangered or in steep decline due to white-nose syndrome and habitat disruption.

Spot a Bat? Report It

Whether you see a bat roosting in your barn, fluttering through your backyard, or hibernating in a cave, your sightings help researchers track populations and protect habitats.

Here’s how to report:

• Indiana DNR Bat Reporting Page: Click here

• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: For endangered species sightings, visit their site

Include details like location, time, and behavior. Photos are helpful—but always keep a respectful distance.

Make Your Property Bat-Friendly

Want to turn your land into a bat haven? Here are a few simple ways to support bat conservation at home:

• Preserve mature trees and snags for natural roosting

• Avoid tree clearing from April to November, when bats are active

• Install bat houses in sunny, sheltered spots

• Reduce pesticide use to protect their insect food sources

• Keep outdoor lights low to avoid disrupting nocturnal behavior

These small changes can create safe spaces for bats to thrive—and help restore populations across Indiana.

Join the Movement

At J’s Wildlife Solutions, we believe conservation starts at home. Whether you’re managing land, running a business, or just love watching bats at dusk, your actions matter.

This Bat Awareness Month, let’s work together to protect Indiana’s wild residents—from attic intruders to forest guardians.