Caught ‘napping’: First direct evidence of migratory hoary bats hibernating

Perched among the branches and needles of California’s redwood forests are nestled wayfaring hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus). A migratory species capable of traveling hundreds of miles, hoary bats may wander throughout western North America before settling into California’s north coast … to sleep. While it’s not unusual for some species of bat to migrate or other species to hibernate, it is unusual to find a species of bat that does both. Hoary bats are one of North America’s largest bats at 5 inches in length and also one of the continent’s most distinguished with its frosted fur for which it takes its name.