Arizona is home to 29 different bat species
Every summer, Arizona skies fill with the chirps and swooping wingbeats of furry flying mammals. Often misunderstood, the bats that live and migrate across Arizona's landscapes are a vital part of the ecosystem that bat biologists are striving to study and conserve.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is highlighting the work of the department's bat biologists and researchers across the state ahead of International Bat Night on Aug. 29, 2026.
Arizona's bats come in all shapes and sizes– big, small, red, yellow and spotted. Home to 29 different species of bats, the state is ranked second for bat diversity just after Texas. This count includes the Mexican long-nosed bat, a federally-protected species that was first confirmed in southeastern Arizona in 2025.
Bats are the only true flying mammals and valuable allies to humans. Worldwide, they are primary predators to vast numbers of insect pests, saving farmers and foresters billions of dollars annually and helping to control insect-spread human diseases.
"Bats are some of the most fascinating creatures - imagine being able to fly at speeds of up to 100 mph while avoiding obstacles and simultaneously hunting tiny insects by shouting into space. The mental acuity required to process so much information is astounding," said Angie McIntire, AZGFD statewide bat specialist.
But many bat populations are vulnerable to threats from habitat loss, drought and disease like white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has devastated bat colonies across North America.
AZGFD experts, along with state, federal, university and nonprofit partners, are working to better understand Arizona's furry flyers to help them thrive and educate the public.
"Although public perceptions are changing, many people still believe that most - or all - bats have rabies, which couldn't be farther from the truth," said McIntire. "A bat on the ground should never be handled, but bats that are flying and doing normal 'bat things' don't pose a danger to people."
Listening for bats in northern Arizona
Arizona's bats navigate and hunt for food through the night using echolocation. Most species can be identified by the unique calls they make while hunting insects (or flowers).
Using specialized audio equipment, AZGFD is recording data on bat populations in northern Arizona using their ultrasonic calls. Over time, this data can help biologists understand bat habitat use and plan for conservation projects.
Bat biologists search for elusive species
It's been two years since the Underwood's mastiff bat was last captured in Arizona, but biologists are striving to learn more about the rarely seen species.
With a wingspan around 22 inches, the Underwood's mastiff bat is one of the largest bats in the United States, and the only place in the country they can be found is southern Arizona. The species has only been captured once in Arizona since 2002.
Although biologists have heard and seen the large bats while conducting surveys, efforts to capture and collect data on the bats are ongoing.
Learn more about bats with AZGFD
AZGFD's Wildlife Viewing program offers a variety of educational opportunities to learn more about the bats that call Arizona home, including seasonal bat nettings open to the public and online events.
Click here to register for a virtual talk Wild About Arizona: Misunderstood Creatures of the Night - Bats! on Sept. 3, 2026.
