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The Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens) is a federally endangered bat species that is strongly tied to caves. In Virginia, it is found mainly in southwest Virginia in the Tennessee Valley drainage.
If you have a bat in your house, attic, or vents, we provide statewide Virginia bat removal and exclusion (wildlife removal + pest control). For endangered bat species, correct handling, exclusion timing, and legal compliance matter.
Bat in the House in Virginia? What to Do First
- Keep people and pets away and close interior doors to limit flight paths.
- If safe, open an exterior door or window and turn off interior lights.
- If the bat can’t be safely guided out, call a professional.
If a bat was found in a bedroom or there’s any chance of contact (sleeping person, child, or pet), contact a medical professional for guidance.
Identifying Characteristics of the Gray Bat
Virginia DWR notes gray bats are identified by uniformly colored hairs on the back and a unique wing feature: the wing membrane attaches at the ankle, not the side of the foot/base of toes like other U.S. Myotis.
Quick ID points:
- Medium-sized Myotis bat
- Fur appears gray and can bleach to reddish-brown by early summer (common across the species)
- Wing membrane attachment at the ankle is a key field clue in Virginia
Gray Bat Range and Habitat in Virginia
The gray bat is one of Virginia’s “true cave bats,” using caves year-round for roosting and hibernation. In Virginia it is primarily associated with southwest Virginia.
Across its range, gray bats are highly dependent on a relatively small number of important caves, which is one reason they are sensitive to disturbance.
Why Gray Bat Caves Should Never Be Disturbed
Gray bats can be extremely vulnerable to disturbance in caves, especially:
- During maternity season (flightless young can fall and die if colonies are disturbed)
- During hibernation (unnecessary arousals burn energy reserves)
If you see signs, gates, or closures at caves, do not enter.
Diet and Foraging
Gray bats feed on flying insects and often forage over rivers, streams, lakes, and other water bodies. Mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies can be major diet items, with beetles and moths also consumed.
Reproduction and Seasonal Timing
Gray bats typically mate in the fall; females store sperm and fertilization occurs in spring. Pups are usually born in late May or early June, and become volant (able to fly) within a few weeks.
Because bat pups can be present in warm months, exclusion work must be timed correctly to avoid trapping young inside a structure.
Our Virginia Bat Removal and Exclusion Approach
1) Inspection and species-aware plan
We identify likely species, entry points, and the best solution for the structure.
2) Safe removal (when a bat is inside)
We help remove bats from living spaces safely and reduce the chance of repeat entry.
3) Exclusion and prevention (long-term fix)
For bats using structures, the long-term solution is professional exclusion:
- Seal secondary gaps
- Install one-way exits when appropriate and seasonally safe
- Final seal after bats are confirmed out
If you suspect attic activity, see Bats in the Attic. If guano is present, see Bat Guano Removal in Virginia.
FAQ: Gray Bat in Virginia
Yes. Virginia DWR lists the gray bat as Federally Endangered and State Endangered.
Virginia DWR notes gray bats occur in southwest Virginia in the Tennessee Valley drainage.
Gray bats are strongly cave-associated. If you have bats in an attic, it is more commonly another species—but we can inspect and identify what’s present. See Big Brown Bat and Little Brown Bat for more common house-roosting species.
A key identifier noted by Virginia DWR is that the wing membrane attaches to the ankle rather than the side of the foot or base of the toes.
USFWS warns disturbance can cause flightless young to fall and die and can force bats to use up critical energy reserves during hibernation.
Related Bat Pages
You can also compare this species on our Virginia Bat Species page.
Service Area: Statewide Virginia
We provide service across the Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Tidewater / Hampton Roads, and the Shenandoah Valley / Southwest Virginia regions.
For the full list of the cities, counties and towns where we provide service, visit:
If you don’t see your city listed, contact us—we often serve nearby areas and can confirm availability quickly.
Contact Us About Bats in Virginia
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Contact Us at (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383