Small-footed Bat

Habitat: Rocky slopes, talus fields, cliff faces, ridgelines, open forests, and mountainous terrain. During summer, Eastern Small-footed Bats typically roost in rock crevices, beneath loose stones, along cliff faces, and occasionally beneath bridges or within human-made structures. In winter, they hibernate in caves and mines.

Diet: Moths, beetles, flies, caddisflies, and other small flying insects captured over rocky landscapes, forest openings, and waterways.

Maternity Colony Size: Typically fewer than 30 females, often consisting of only a handful of individuals.

Hibernation Colony Size: Usually solitary or in small groups, though dozens to hundreds may occupy the same hibernation site.

Species Notes:
The Eastern Small-footed Bat is the smallest bat species found in New York State. It is easily recognized by its tiny feet, long fur, and distinctive dark facial mask that gives it a raccoon-like appearance. Despite its wide geographic range, it is among the least frequently encountered bat species during surveys and remains one of the most poorly understood bats in the Northeast.

Unlike many bat species that rely heavily on trees or buildings for summer roosting habitat, Eastern Small-footed Bats are strongly associated with rocky environments. They spend much of the summer roosting in cracks and crevices among talus slopes, cliff faces, and other exposed rock formations. They may also use concrete bridges and similar structures that provide suitable crevice habitat.

During winter, Eastern Small-footed Bats hibernate in caves and abandoned mines, often selecting cracks and recesses that may be overlooked during traditional hibernation surveys. In New York State, more than half of the known population is believed to hibernate in just two mines within the Adirondack region, highlighting the importance of protecting these critical sites.

Adults have a wingspan of approximately 9 inches and a body length of less than 2 inches. Weighing only about the same as a nickel, they are among the lightest mammals in North America.