Big brown bats forage throughout West Virginia over streams, forest openings, and towns, and often roost in buildings as well as trees and caves. Summer dusk watches near water at New River Gorge, Blackwater Falls, or developed parts of Monongahela National Forest offer the best chance to see their strong, direct flight.
Reports are concentrated from June through August, when bats are active above ground and people spend more evenings outdoors. Winter observations are exceptional because hibernating bats should not be disturbed or approached in caves.
Full species profile
