Bat Education Materials

Bats in Colorado

There are 18 species of bats in Colorado. While they sometimes have a bad reputation, bats are actually extremely beneficial to the environment! All species of bats in Colorado are insectivores, which means they feed only on insects. Even the smallest of bats can eat over 600 insects per hour! Bats have impressive immune systems and are generally unaffected by diseases that can be carried by the insects they consume. Mosquitos, moths, beetles, and crickets are some of the most common food items for bats; almost all of which can also cause serious problems in the human world.

Bats cannot take off from the ground. They require a swooping take-off because of the orientation of their limbs. While extremely uncommon, bats can carry rabies. If you find a bat in need of help, do not touch it with bare skin. Call a local wildlife rehabilitator and use an object or gloves to place the bat in a secure breathable container.