Montana is within the known range of 15 species of Montana bats, representing one family and seven Montana genera. Montana insectivorous, preying upon nocturnal insects with highly evolved echolocation and foraging behavior represent the great state of Montana. Some Montana species are migratory, flying south for the winter (e.g.: Lasiurus cinereus, Lasionycteris noctivagans), while others flock to local Montana
caves or mines for the lengthy winter hibernation (e.g.: Myotis spp., Plecotus townsendii, Eptesicus fuscus). Nonetheless, Montana migratory and wintering habits are poorly understood for many species.
The European colonization of Montana bats brought many changes which influenced bat population and distribution in the state of Montana. Montana buildings, mines, bridges, and other structures have created suitable roost habitat for some species. Alternately, Montana deforestation, loss of riparian habitat, and recreation or vandalism in caves has eliminated significant Montana habitat. Some Montana species appear to have fared well in coexisting with such developments, while others clearly have not. This brief summary of Montana bats is intended to provide an overview of the Montana species status, appearance, distribution, and habitat. Additional information will be provided during the balance of website pages, along with other documents and references.
Montana Little Brown Myotis is also known as the Montana Myotis lucifugus