What are the Most Common Bats in South Carolina?

We are commonly asked: are there bats in South Carolina? Without question, we can definitively say yes. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 14 of the 47 bat species in the U.S. live in the Palmetto State.

But where do bats live in South Carolina? Bats can be found everywhere from wildlife areas to your own backyard. Really, anywhere they can eat insects. It’s easy to spot them, but how do you know how to identify a bat species, to know which species you’re looking at?

While we don’t have the space to mention all types of bats in South Carolina, this article will cover the most common bats in South Carolina.

Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

The round-eared, broad-snouted Big Brown Bat is widely considered the most common bat species in its range. It can be found in nearly every American habitat, according to the National Park Service. These brown-colored bats are the third largest bats in the United States. Though they are not the largest South Carolina Bat, they have an average wingspan of 13 to 15 inches.

Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis)

The Evening Bat may be easily confused for the Big Brown Bat we covered above. But these night fliers are considerably smaller than their bigger siblings, with a wingspan around 10 inches. They also have lighter fur on their undersides.

Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)

Unlike the other bats on this list, the Brazilian Free-tailed Bat has a long, mouse-like tail. These bats are fairly small, with an average wingspan of 11 to 14 inches in total.

Brazilian Free-tails, which are commonly dark brown to dark gray, have one other unique identifier. Their upper lips are often wrinkled, which creates a distinctive-looking bat for sure.

Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)

These tiny bats are very common in the northern United States and parts of Canada. However, the southern edge of their range extends into the northwestern corner of South Carolina. Unlike the Big Brown Bat, Little Brown Bats’ bodies feature pointy ears and large hind feet.

Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)

This bat is distinctive on this list for numerous reasons. Chief among them is the bat’s plumage, which features a wavy pattern of yellows, grays, browns, and oranges. It is also one of the fastest bats in North America. If you’ve ever seen a multicolored bat zip past in the evening, it was likely a hoary.

Have a bat issue in your home?

If any bat species in South Carolina make their way into your house, it’s best to call the professionals. Alpha Wildlife has extensive experience removing many species of nuisance creatures. 

Learn more about our bat removal services in both Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina.