Our Local Bats

Moorhead sits at the intersection of the prairie landscapes of eastern North Dakota and the northern hardwood forests of Minnesota, creating a unique transition zone that supports a surprising diversity of bat species. While little direct research has focused on bats within city limits, surveys from the Minnesota DNR and North Dakota wildlife studies suggest that at least eight to ten species are likely present in the region. These include common aerial insectivores such as the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), and hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), as well as migratory species like the silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). This area may also provide seasonal habitat for the federally endangered northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), making Moorhead an important part of regional conservation efforts. These species play an essential ecological role by controlling insect populations and serve as indicators of broader environmental health in our prairies, forests, and river corridors.

Bats are a vital part of Moorhead’s riverine and prairie ecosystems, providing natural pest control and serving as key indicators of environmental health. A single bat can consume thousands of insects in a single night, including human and crop pests common to the Red River Valley. Studying local bat populations can reveal how species distributions are shifting in response to urban development, agricultural pressures, and climate change. By combining acoustic monitoring, species identification, and community science, the Concordia Bat Project seeks to deepen our understanding of these patterns and contribute data to broader conservation efforts across Minnesota and North Dakota.