Rare Evening Bat Found in Northern Colorado

Wildlife center documents first known occurrence of the species in the region.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Northern Colorado Wildlife Center has documented the first known occurrence of an evening bat, Nycticeius humeralis, in northern Colorado. This 'exceptionally rare' species has only been recorded in the state a few times previously, typically found in the southeastern and central United States.

Why it matters

The discovery of this rare bat species in northern Colorado raises important questions about species distribution, potential range expansion, and the environmental factors that may be influencing wildlife movement in the region.

The details

During a routine evaluation of a bat admitted to the wildlife center, the animal care team noticed some subtle characteristics that didn't align with a common bat species in Colorado. After working with bat biologists, they confirmed the bat was an evening bat, a species rarely found in the state. The center speculates the bat's presence in northern Colorado could be due to natural dispersal, shifting habitat conditions, or broader ecological changes.

  • The bat was admitted to the Northern Colorado Wildlife Center in early 2026.

The players

Northern Colorado Wildlife Center

A wildlife rehabilitation center that documented the first known occurrence of an evening bat in northern Colorado.

Colorado State University

Bat biologists from the university helped confirm the identity of the rare bat species.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Bat biologists from the museum also assisted in confirming the identity of the rare bat species.

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What they’re saying

“Our team is trained to look closely and question what we're seeing, even when a case initially appears routine. Wildlife rehabilitation centers are often on the front lines of detecting changes in species presence, and this discovery highlights how careful intake and evaluation can contribute meaningful data to the broader scientific community.”

— Michela Dunbar, Licensed wildlife rehabilitator and executive director at Northern Colorado Wildlife Center (westernslopenow.com)

What’s next

Researchers will study and monitor the case to learn more about the potential range expansion and environmental factors influencing the rare bat's presence in northern Colorado.

The takeaway

This discovery of an 'exceptionally rare' evening bat in northern Colorado underscores the important role that wildlife rehabilitation centers can play in detecting changes in species distribution and contributing to broader scientific understanding of ecological shifts.