Bats are rarely seen during the day. AK.
About 30 species of bats are resident in Europe, and it is practically impossible to tell them apart from their tracks. They are all nocturnal and catch insects in flight; all species hibernate.
During the day they roost in attics, cellars, holes in rocks, caves, hollow trees, woodpecker cavities, nest boxes, bat boxes, and other quiet places; they also hibernate at many of the same sites.
If you are lucky you might find bat tracks on the ground, for example, on muddy shores or wet woodland paths. The hind foot of a bat has five toes with powerful claws that leave clear marks. The ‘thumbs’ on the wing leave only a single mark, normally visible on each side of the footprints and outside them. The drag marks of the tail might be visible between the footprints.
Below bat roosts and their entrance holes you may find the remains of prey, for example beetle wings, often in large quantities.
Below roost sites you will also find scat resembling that of mice, but a bat’s is not as smooth and round, though it will always appear shiny because it contains insect remains. Scat is dark brown to black and very porous and can often be found in large piles. It is 2–8 mm long and 2–3 mm thick.
A Parti-coloured Bat hangs upside down. LG.
The Parti-coloured Bat walks with the help of claws on the wings and legs. LG.
The floor of the roost site can acquire a dark colouration from the bats’ urine and scat.
Beware! Bats can spread deadly diseases like rabies, and for this reason you should never touch them; if you are bitten by a bat, immediately seek medical attention.
A Parti-coloured Bat with spread wings, the claw on the wing clearly visible. LG.
When bats walk, they hold their wings close to the body. When moving faster, they extend their wings.
