Where Do Bats Go in Winter?

As autumn temperatures drop and insects become scarce, Scotland’s bats prepare for one of the most challenging times of the year. Winter brings long periods of cold weather, limited food, and fewer safe spaces to shelter. To survive these conditions, bats enter a state of torpor and choose carefully selected winter roosts where they can remain undisturbed.

This blog explains where bats go in winter, what makes a good winter roost, and why it is so important not to disturb these spaces.

What is a winter roost?

A winter roost is a sheltered place where bats can rest through the cold months, conserving energy and avoiding the need to feed daily. These roosts remain cool, stable in temperature, and protected from wind and rain. Winter roosts may be used from late autumn until early spring.

Common winter roost types include:

• tree cavities and hollow trunks

• stone bridges and culverts

• old tunnels and outbuildings

• cellars and ice houses

• crevices in stone walls

• undisturbed lofts or roof voids

Many of these places are dark, quiet, and provide stable conditions that help bats survive long periods without feeding.

Do bats hibernate?

In Scotland, bats enter extended periods of torpor that resemble hibernation. Their heart rate and breathing slow, and their energy use drops significantly. This allows them to survive for weeks at a time without eating.

However, they may wake briefly during milder spells to drink or change position. These short periods of activity do not mean bats have returned to full summer behaviour.

Winter behaviour: quiet and cautious

Because bats conserve energy so carefully, disturbance can be dangerous during winter. If a bat is forced to wake suddenly, it uses valuable energy reserves that cannot easily be replaced. Repeated disturbance can be fatal.

This is why winter roost sites require particular care. Even small actions such as opening a roof void, increasing lighting, or carrying out tree works can wake bats unexpectedly.

Where are winter roosts likely to be found?

Different species choose different roost types, but winter roosts often share these characteristics:

• sheltered from wind and rain

• free from bright lighting

• quiet and undisturbed

• offering small, secure crevices

Buildings and trees provide many suitable spaces, which means bat roosts can exist close to homes and gardens without anyone realising.

What to do if you find a bat in winter

If you find a bat indoors, grounded, or unexpectedly active during cold weather:

• avoid handling the bat

• keep pets away

• gently contain the space to prevent further disturbance

• contact Bat Conservation Trust’s national helpline for guidance

Professional advice helps ensure the bat receives the right support without causing harm.

Why winter roosts matter

Safe winter roosts allow bats to survive the season and return to breeding and foraging in spring. When roosts are disturbed or removed, bats may struggle to survive winter or may not return to the area.

By protecting roosts and avoiding disturbance, we support Scotland’s bats through the hardest part of the year.

References

Bat Conservation Trust 2023. Bat Roosts in Buildings. Bat Conservation Trust, London.
NatureScot 2020. Bats: Species and Winter Behaviour. NatureScot, Inverness.
Scottish Government 2019. Wildlife Crime and Protected Species. Scottish Government, Edinburgh.