Cold Snaps and Florida’s Bats
We at Owl's Nest love our furry, flying insect controllers. Every year, especially in the cooler months, we receive a surge of calls from neighbors reporting bats resting in unusual places. Lately, Florida’s temperatures have dropped sharply, and bat calls have increased exponentially.
Why Cold Weather Affects Bats
Bats are delicate creatures with high metabolisms. They need regular food and water to maintain body fat and body temperature. When the cold sets in:
- Insects (their main food source) become scarce.
- Energy reserves are quickly depleted.
- Their ability to stay warm is compromised.
As a result, bats may be found in unexpected spots—sidewalks, pools, patios, umbrellas, attics, ceilings, doorways, and overhangs.
Torpor: Nature’s Energy-Saving Mode
Because bats are tiny, active powerhouses, they burn a lot of energy while flying. With limited fat storage and fluctuating food supplies, they often enter a state called torpor. This is the body’s way of temporarily “shutting down” to conserve energy—like running on auxiliary power. During torpor, body temperature drops and metabolism slows dramatically.
That’s why you might see bats roosting in odd places. Most of the time, they’re simply conserving resources and will move on when conditions improve.
What You Should Do
- Do not disturb roosting bats. In cold snaps, waking them can be a death sentence.
- If the bat looks injured, is on the ground, or something doesn’t seem right, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
- 📞 Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife: (813) 598-5926
- 📞 Florida Wildlife Commission
We’ve taken in a record number of bats this winter, and most just needed warmth, fluids, food, and a good release-day temperature before flying off again.
Safe Bat Handling (If Rescue Is Needed)
If you must move a bat for its safety:
- Never use bare hands.
- Use a cloth or towel to gently scoop the bat.
- Place it in a secure box with air holes.
- Keep the box in a quiet, warm place.
- Call a licensed rehabilitator right away.
Helpful Resources
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Bat Conservation International
- Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife (local rescues and advice)
Remember: Most bats you see during cold snaps are simply riding out the weather. If left alone, they’ll recover and continue their important work keeping insect populations in check. Please enjoy our amazing wildlife responsibly—and call us if you’re ever in doubt.
