If you have heard scratching in the attic, found droppings near a vent, or watched bats slip under roofline gaps at dusk, you are not alone. In Northern Colorado, bats commonly use buildings as summer roosts, especially when temperatures swing and shelter is hard to find.
A question that comes up right away is simple and important: Are bats protected in Colorado? The answer shapes what you can legally do, what you should do ethically, and what steps are most likely to solve the problem without creating a bigger one.
Northern Colorado Pest and Wildlife Control has been in the pest and wildlife industry since 2004, which means 21 years of hands-on experience helping property owners address bat issues safely and responsibly.
Are bats protected in Colorado?
In practical terms, many bats in Colorado are treated as protected wildlife, and that protection affects how removal can happen. Colorado’s wildlife rules generally prohibit “harassing, taking, or possessing” protected nongame wildlife except under specific legal allowances (such as licensing).
Just as important, Colorado Parks and Wildlife promotes humane bat exclusion, which means letting bats leave on their own and then sealing entry points so they cannot return. CPW also stresses that timing matters, because excluding bats at the wrong time can trap flightless pups inside.
So, if you are asking, Are bats protected in Colorado? the safe takeaway is this: you should plan for non-lethal, humane exclusion, and you should follow the right seasonal window.
Why bat protection matters for homeowners and business owners
Bats can feel like an emergency when they are in a building, but they also play a valuable role outdoors. They help control night-flying insects, and many Colorado communities benefit from that natural pest control.
Protection rules exist for a reason. Bat populations can be vulnerable, and diseases like white-nose syndrome have raised concerns across the U.S., including Colorado. Axios
For property owners, the main point is not to “wait it out” forever. The point is to solve the issue in a way that:
- avoids harming bats
- prevents bats from ending up inside living spaces
- reduces health and odor risks from guano
- keeps you on the right side of wildlife rules and best practices
The biggest timing issue: maternity season in Colorado
When people ask Are bats protected in Colorado? what they often really mean is, “When can I get them out?”
Colorado Parks and Wildlife warns against sealing bats out during pupping season (often referenced as June through August) because pups may be left behind.
Colorado State University’s Colorado Bat Working Group guidance also highlights avoiding the bat birthing window (June to mid-August) when possible.
That means bat work is not just about tools and ladders. It is also about biology and timing. If someone rushes the job during the wrong window, you can end up with:
- trapped pups that cannot fly out
- bats searching for alternate exits into walls or living spaces
- stronger odor issues
- a longer, more expensive cleanup
A responsible plan respects the season and uses an exclusion approach that works with bat behavior.
What “humane exclusion” usually looks like
Humane exclusion is the standard approach recommended by wildlife agencies for bats in structures. It is a process, not a single action.
Step 1: Confirm bats, identify entry points, and assess the structure
A proper inspection looks for:
- staining or rub marks near roofline gaps
- guano accumulation under eaves or near siding seams
- airflow paths from attic to soffits, ridge vents, and gable vents
- safe ladder access and roof conditions
This is also where you separate bats from look-alikes. Sometimes people assume bats, but the issue is birds, mice, or squirrels.
Step 2: Install one-way exit devices
One-way devices allow bats to leave at dusk, but prevent re-entry. This is how you remove bats without trapping them inside.
Step 3: Seal and bat-proof after exit
Once bats have cleared, the goal is to close the building “like a zipper,” sealing the right gaps while maintaining proper ventilation.
Step 4: Address guano and odor issues
Guano cleanup is often the difference between “bats are gone” and “the problem is truly resolved.” Cleanup can help reduce odor and the chance of insects being attracted to droppings.
What to do if a bat is inside your living space
This is a different situation than bats roosting in an attic.
If a bat is flying in a bedroom or living area:
- keep people and pets away
- close interior doors to limit where it can go
- open an exterior door or window if it can safely exit
- avoid barehand contact
Bats can carry rabies, and while most bats are not rabid, any direct contact or bite risk should be treated seriously. If contact may have happened, contact local public health guidance and a qualified professional.
How to prevent bats from returning
Even if you agree with humane removal, you still want results. Preventing re-entry usually comes down to closing the small, consistent access points bats use.
Here are common bat entry locations in Northern Colorado buildings:
- gaps under fascia boards and along roofline transitions
- ridge vent and gable vent openings that are not properly screened
- soffit intersections and corner returns
- chimneys or flue gaps (when not properly screened)
- warped siding near the top courses
Colorado Parks and Wildlife also recommends screening vents and other holes to prevent wildlife entry, including bats.
Why DIY bat sealing often backfires
People sometimes hear “seal the holes” and try to do it in a single afternoon. The risk is not just that you miss a gap. The bigger risk is sealing at the wrong time or sealing in the wrong order.
Common DIY mistakes include:
- sealing entry points while bats are still inside
- using materials that fail in UV, snow, or wind
- skipping secondary entry points, which leads to re-entry
- ignoring guano accumulation until odor becomes a larger issue
If you are still asking, Are bats protected in Colorado? it is also worth remembering that the “quick fix” approach is more likely to create harm to bats, plus more headaches for you.
A note on local expertise and expectations
Bat work is part wildlife biology, part construction detail, and part timing. Northern Colorado’s weather swings, roof designs, and seasonal bat behavior all matter.
It is also normal for bat calls to spike at certain times of year, especially when people notice evening bat activity around their roofline for the first time.
If you want a quick look at feedback from real local customers, here is a helpful reference you can share with a spouse or property manager: see what our customers are saying.
Signs you may have a bat colony (not just a single bat)
A single bat may occasionally end up indoors, but a roosting group usually leaves a pattern. Watch for:
- consistent chirping or squeaking at dusk or dawn
- repeated sightings exiting the same roofline area at sunset
- guano piles that grow over time beneath an entry point
- ammonia-like odor in warm weather, especially in attics
- stains near small openings (often 3/8 inch to 1 inch gaps)
If these fit what you are seeing, it is very reasonable to ask again: Are bats protected in Colorado? Yes, and that is why the right next step is a humane exclusion plan.
FAQ
Are bats protected in Colorado?
Yes, many bats are treated as protected wildlife in Colorado, and removal is typically done through humane exclusion rather than lethal methods.
Is it legal to kill bats in Colorado?
Rules around protected nongame wildlife generally prohibit harassment or taking except under specific legal allowances, so lethal methods are not the responsible or recommended approach for bat issues in structures.
When is the best time to remove bats from an attic in Colorado?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises avoiding exclusion during pupping season (often June through August) because pups may be trapped inside. A professional can help choose the safest timing based on your situation.
What should I do if I find a bat in my house?
Keep people and pets away, confine it to a single room if possible, and avoid barehand contact. If direct contact might have occurred, follow local public health guidance and contact a qualified professional.
How do I keep bats from coming back?
Bat-proofing usually means sealing and screening the correct entry points after bats have exited, including roofline gaps and vents.
Closing thoughts
If you came here wondering, Are bats protected in Colorado? you are asking the right question. Protection, timing, and humane exclusion are not “extra steps.” They are the steps that keep the outcome clean, legal, and lasting.
If you suspect bats in an attic or wall void, it is often best to start with an inspection so you know what you are dealing with, where they are entering, and what season you are in. That is how you move from uncertainty to a clear plan.
Are bats protected in Colorado? Yes, and the good news is that you can protect bats and protect your building at the same time with the right process.
Northern Colorado Pest and Wildlife Control provides fast and courteous responses to our customers’ needs. We specialize in a wide range of pest control and wildlife control services. We serve Denver, north to Wyoming including Fort Collins, Eaton, Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Loveland, LaSalle, Johnstown, Milliken, Berthoud, Longmont, Boulder, Louisville, Superior, Lafayette, Thornton, Lakewood, Golden, Westminster, Denver, Aurora, and surrounding cities.
