Little Brown Bats Roost Openly in Grand Rapids
Biologists are monitoring 30 bats discovered roosting near the Mississippi River since September.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Bird Watching
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Approximately 30 little brown bats have been observed roosting above ground near the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids since early September. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is tracking the colony, noting that these bats are unlikely to survive the coming winter.
Why it matters
The presence of these bats in the open suggests that their traditional underground hibernation sites have become inaccessible. Little brown bats require stable temperatures of approximately 47 degrees Fahrenheit to successfully hibernate.
Little brown bats typically weigh between 7 and 8 grams and rely on specific subterranean conditions for survival. Populations have suffered historic losses, including a 99% decline at the Soudan Mine and a 93% decrease at Mystery Cave due to white-nose syndrome.
The players
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
This state agency oversees the management and protection of Minnesota's natural resources, including the monitoring of bat populations and public reporting programs.
The details
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking for public reports of unusual bat behavior via an online form to track ongoing trends. Experts indicate that these specific animals are likely displaced and that regional populations are not expected to recover to former levels.
Timeline
Bats began roosting in the open in September 2026.
International Bat Week takes place from October 24-31, 2026.
The Minnesota Bat Festival is scheduled for October 31, 2026.
Culture Shift
The decline of these local bat colonies mirrors the broader loss of species biodiversity observed since the 2006 arrival of white-nose syndrome. This incident highlights a shift in environmental awareness, as residents are increasingly encouraged to participate in citizen science to track wildlife changes.
Residents should monitor their properties for unusual bat activity and report observations using the state website to assist wildlife biologists. Avoid disturbing any roosting bats to prevent further stress on the animals as they face the winter season.
The takeaway
Wildlife experts encourage the public to use one-way exit devices on buildings to safely manage bat populations. Supporting conservation efforts is essential as species struggle with the ongoing impacts of habitat loss and disease.
What happens next
The Minnesota Bat Festival will take place on October 31, 2026, providing an opportunity for public engagement regarding bat conservation.
Further reading
Learn more about local wildlife monitoring efforts by visiting the Bird Watching section.
More information
Submit observations of unusual behavior through the Minnesota online bat observation report.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Grand Rapids Herald-Review.
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