State Bat

The pallid bat is a common species of bat found throughout California in a wide variety of habitats, including deserts, oak woodlands, and forests.

Though the pallid bat weighs only about an ounce, their wingspan can measure up to 16 inches in length. Their fur and skin are pale in color. Pallid bats are social, live in colonies and use a variety of calls to communicate with one another.

Pallid bats are an essential part of many ecosystems. They help California farmers manage pests without the use of pesticides. Some pallid bats include bark beetles and wood borers in their diets, promoting healthy forests and resilient trees.

They also eat insects like mosquitos, wasps, and flies, helping to control the spread of diseases.

(Senate Bill 732, Chapter 502, 2023)