Though there are many places in Michigan where bats can hibernate (such as caves or mines), some Michigan bats will migrate to warmer areas in search of a suitable hibernation location. Infected bats emerge from hibernation prematurely, rapidly deplete their fat reserves, and are unable to survive the winter.

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What do Michigan bats do in the winter?

They are actually known to hibernate anywhere there is a warm space, but they prefer dark areas that are rarely used. Bats can be found hibernating in a variety of places, including garages, attics, barns, and crawlspaces.

In Michigan, how long do bats hibernate?

A brown bat may awaken every 12 to 19 days, but it can hibernate for up to 83 days. The fat that a bat stored during the fall is slowly metabolized as the winter progresses. These limited reserves must last between five and eight months.

Do bats leave the attic in the winter?

Bats will hibernate in the winter if the temperature stays between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below that level, the bats in the attic will migrate out, allowing you to seal up cracks and other entry points once they leave for the season.

When do bats go into hibernation?

Bats hibernate when the cold weather drives the insects away, which is usually between October and November, and they emerge from hibernation in March.

What should you do if you come across a bat in the winter?

If the temperature is well below freezing, you can keep the bat in a box overnight until the temperature rises during the day, at which point you can release the bat. Bats should not be kept in this manner for an extended period of time because they will quickly dehydrate in the warm temperatures of the house.

Do bats spend the winter in bat houses?

During the winter, some bat species, such as the Big Brown Bat, can roost and enter torpor (a type of hibernation) in buildings, bat houses, and even farm equipment. They can come out to feed during mild winters and then go back to sleep when it cools.