Did you know that Dallas hosts more bat species than many entire states? With 13 distinct species calling the Dallas metroplex home, you’re living alongside one of North America’s most diverse urban bat populations.
Whether you’re hearing mysterious squeaks at dusk or spotting dark shapes against the evening sky, this comprehensive guide will help you identify every bat species you might encounter in Dallas, from the massive colonies under local bridges to the solitary hunters in your backyard trees.
1. Mexican Free-Tailed Bat
The Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) stands as Dallas’s most famous winged resident, forming spectacular colonies that have become tourist attractions.
You’ll recognize these medium-sized bats by their distinctive tail that extends well beyond their tail membrane, giving them their common name. Their dark brown to grayish fur and narrow wings make them perfectly adapted for high-speed flight…