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Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris Noctivagans).
Date of admission: September 13, 2026.
Reason for admission: Physical Injury.
Patient History:
Silver-haired Bats are medium-sized, solitary bats known for their distinctive dark fur tipped with silver, giving them a beautiful, frosted appearance. Their scientific name, Lasionycteris noctivagans, can be translated as “night-wandering shaggy bat,” a fitting name for these nocturnal travellers. They typically weigh just 8–12 grams and have a slightly upturned snout, rounded ears, and delicate wings that allow them to manoeuvre through forested habitats with impressive agility. Despite their small size, Silver-haired Bats can live for more than a decade.
Found across much of southern Canada and the United States, Silver-haired Bats are closely associated with forests, particularly those near lakes, rivers, and other water sources. During the day, they often roost beneath loose bark or inside tree cavities, relying on the shelter of mature trees to rest and stay protected. At night, they take to the skies to hunt insects, including moths, flies, beetles, and other small invertebrates. By consuming large quantities of insects, bats play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. However, the loss of mature trees and suitable roosting sites can threaten their habitat.
Silver-haired Bats typically mate in the fall, with females storing sperm over winter before fertilization occurs in spring. In late June or early July, females give birth to one or two pups, which are born blind and helpless but already have tiny claws and developing teeth. Mothers raise their young in maternity roosts, often in tree cavities or beneath loose bark. The pups grow quickly, developing the strength and coordination they need to fly and eventually hunt for themselves.
This male Silver-haired Bat was brought to AIWC after being found grounded in Calgary. During his initial examination, our team discovered two small tears in his left wing, along with some bruising. The finder suspected he may have been sheltering inside a motorized awning and was injured when it opened. He is now receiving the care and monitoring he needs while his delicate wing heals. Once he has recovered sufficiently and can fly safely, he can be assessed for release back into the wild. Thank you for helping this tiny nocturnal traveller get back on his wings and giving him the opportunity to return to the wild!