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The Virginia Big-eared Bat is a rare and protected bat found only in a small part of Virginia. It has very large ears that connect across the forehead, and it relies on a limited number of caves for both maternity colonies and winter hibernation.
Because this bat is state and federally endangered, any bat work in Virginia should be done humanely and in compliance with all laws and best practices. If you need help with bats in a home or building, call (804) 729-0046 or toll-free (888) 824-7383. For active bat problems in homes, see Bat Removal in Virginia.
Characteristics
- Size: Medium (total length about 90–112 mm), typically 9–12 grams
- Ears: Very large ears joined across the forehead; ears often coil and rest along the neck
- Fur: Soft, long fur; darker brown tones on the back
- Reproduction: Females gather in spring (April–May) to form maternity colonies in warmer cave areas
- Summer roosting: One of only two Virginia bat species known to roost in caves during summer
- Winter roosting: Often singly or in small groups
- Migration: Generally non-migratory, but colonies may move if disturbed
- Lifespan: Reported up to 16 years
Distribution in Virginia
The Virginia Big-eared Bat has a very limited range in the state.
- Summer: Known from a small number of caves in Tazewell County
- Winter: Known from caves in Highland, Bland, and Tazewell Counties
- Habitat: Found exclusively in limestone caves
- Maternity colonies: Only a few maternity sites are known, and they typically occur in warmer cave areas
Why disturbance is a big problem
During winter, bats depend on stored body fat to survive hibernation. When a cave is disturbed (noise, people entering, temperature changes), bats may wake and burn critical fat reserves. That can weaken them and reduce survival—especially for females and maternity colonies.
Food and Foraging
Virginia Big-eared Bats feed mostly on moths, but they may also eat other insects such as:
- Neuroptera
- Beetles (Coleoptera)
- Flies (Diptera)
- Hymenoptera and others
They often forage over open pasture, farm fields, and around tree canopies.
Humane Bat Help in Virginia
Bats are beneficial to the ecosystem, but bats inside a structure can still create problems that need professional attention (entry points, roosting activity, and cleanup needs).
If you have bats in a home, attic, or building, we can help with:
- Humane bat exclusion (seal-out)
- Entry point identification
- Bat guano assessment and cleanup options
- Prevention recommendations to reduce re-entry risk
Virginia Big-eared Bat FAQ
Yes. The Virginia Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) is state and federally endangered, which means it is protected and should not be harmed or disturbed.
Not usually. This subspecies is strongly tied to limestone cave habitat and is not one of the “typical attic bats” most homeowners deal with. In Virginia homes, the most common bat issues are usually big brown bats or little brown bats, not Virginia Big-eared Bats.
Don’t try to handle bats or “seal everything up” right away. The right first step is an inspection to:
confirm where bats are entering
determine timing (especially during maternity season)
plan a humane exclusion that prevents re-entry
If attic activity is the issue, start here: Bats in the Attic
In general, exclusion is best before maternity season or after young bats can fly. Timing matters because sealing too early can trap bats inside. If you’re unsure, we can advise after an inspection.
In most cases, no. “Bat repellent” sprays, ultrasonic devices, and bright lights are usually a waste of money and can delay the real fix. A lasting solution is almost always exclusion (finding entry points and sealing them correctly after bats are out).
Most bats are not aggressive, but any bat contact should be treated seriously because of the rabies risk. If a bat is found in a room with a sleeping person, child, or pet, it may need to be captured for testing based on health department guidance.
Bat droppings can be a health concern, especially when large accumulations are present or when droppings are disturbed and become airborne. The biggest risk is typically from aerosolized particles during cleanup. If cleanup is needed, it should be done with the right protective equipment and procedures. Learn more about bat guano removal.
Yes. We provide:
humane bat exclusion (seal-out)
entry point repairs
recommendations for prevention
guano assessment/cleanup options (when appropriate)
During hibernation, bats survive on stored body fat. Disturbance can wake them and cause them to burn energy they can’t replace, which can reduce survival—especially for females and maternity colonies. That’s a big reason this subspecies is protected.
Related Bat Pages
You can also compare this species on our Virginia Bat Species page, or learn about more common house-roosting bats on our Big Brown Bat page, Little Brown Bat page, and Evening Bat page.
Service areas: 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.
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Call (804) 729-0046 or toll-free (888) 824-7383