TL;DR: Bats are a crucial part of Tobermory’s ecosystem, providing natural pest control and supporting the environment. But when they invade homes, they can cause headaches for property owners. If you’re dealing with uninvited critters, check out our expert services for wildlife removal in Tobermory to keep your home and the bats safe. Learn about the bats in the area, why they sometimes end up in attics or sheds, and how to protect your home while respecting these fascinating creatures.
The Bats of Tobermory: Local Night Flyers
Tobermory isn’t just for hikers, divers, and nature enthusiasts; it’s also a bat haven. Whether you’ve seen them fluttering by Big Tub Harbour at dusk or hanging out near Flowerpot Island, bats are an undeniable part of this area’s natural charm.
Here are some of the local species:
- Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus): A common resident in attics and barns.
- Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus): Larger and often found roosting in stone structures.
- Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis): Endangered and primarily in wooded areas.
- Eastern Small-Footed Bat (Myotis leibii): Prefers rocky terrain but may end up in sheds.
- Tri-Colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus): Known for its erratic flight patterns.
- Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus): A migratory species, usually found in forested areas.
Each species has its quirks, but let’s face it—without them, Tobermory might just be overrun by mosquitoes bigger than the fish stories down at the harbour!
That’s all well and good when bats stick to their natural habitats, but when those habitats become scarce, they start looking for alternatives—and that’s where local homes and businesses come into the picture.

Migration vs. Hibernation: Surviving Tobermory Winters
As summer fades, Tobermory’s bats either head south for warmer weather or hunker down for the winter in caves, old mines, or even attics and barns. Many species, like the Little Brown Bat, rely on cold, humid spaces to survive the winter.
But here’s where things get tricky: when natural hibernation spots are scarce, bats might move into your neck of the woods. Properties with older stone foundations or wooden beams are especially attractive because they mimic the conditions bats need to conserve energy.
Why Are Bats Roosting in Your Home?

Bats in Tobermory face mounting challenges that drive them closer to human spaces:
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS)
This deadly fungal disease has wiped out millions of bats across North America, forcing species like the Little Brown Bat to seek safer spaces. WNS disrupts hibernation, causing bats to burn through their fat reserves and starve.
Habitat Loss
Tobermory’s tourism and growing infrastructure have unintentionally disrupted bat habitats. Activities like cave exploration, construction, and even expanded accommodations for visitors can limit the natural roosting spaces for local bats. Forested areas that once provided essential shelter for migratory bats are shrinking, leaving fewer options for these little night flyers.
Wind Turbines
While renewable energy is a big win for sustainability, the turbines along the Bruce Peninsula pose unexpected dangers for migratory bats. These structures often intersect with seasonal bat flight paths, creating accidental risks for the very wildlife that helps balance our ecosystem.
When faced with habitat pressures and dwindling options, bats sometimes take refuge in Tobermory’s older homes and barns. While they’re simply looking for a safe place, their presence can lead to droppings, odours, and potential health concerns.
Why Tobermory Needs Its Bats

Even if they make you uneasy, bats are more helpful than harmful. Sure, they might give you a startle when they swoop by, but think of them as natural bug-zappers with wings. Here’s why they matter:
Insect Control
A single bat can eat thousands of insects in one night, keeping mosquitoes, moths, and other pests under control. This is a game-changer for local farmers and anyone enjoying Tobermory’s great outdoors.
Environmental Health
Bats are sensitive to environmental changes, acting as nature’s canaries. Their presence in caves is a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
Economic Impact
Bats indirectly save farmers millions of dollars in pest control. Plus, their role in eco-tourism, like bat-watching near Flowerpot Island, brings additional revenue to the community.
How to Protect Bats While Keeping Them Out of Your Home
Respecting bats doesn’t mean letting them take over your attic. Here’s how you can help them while safeguarding your property:
- Install Bat Boxes: Give bats a safe place to roost outdoors, reducing the chances of them invading your home.
- Stay Out of Caves in Winter: Protect hibernating bats by avoiding cave exploration during colder months.
- Report Unusual Behaviour: If you notice a bat acting strangely, contact local wildlife authorities to ensure it’s not spreading disease.

If bats have already moved into your attic or shed, don’t try to remove them yourself. Professional help is the safest option. At Hideaway Wildlife, we specialize in humane bat removal services that respect both your property and the local bylaws.
In Ontario, including Tobermory, bats are protected under provincial law, making it illegal to harm or kill them. This protection is especially strict during the maternity season, often called the “blackout season,” which runs from June 1 to the end of July. During this time, female bats give birth and care for their pups. Disturbing a bat roost can separate mothers from their young, leaving the pups defenceless and unable to survive without their mothers’ care.
Heck, killing a single bat isn’t just bad for the ecosystem—it’s also against the law. Violations can lead to hefty fines of up to $10,000 per bat! If that’s not enough to make you think twice, imagine explaining it to your neighbours.
Keeping Tobermory’s Night Flyers Safe
Bats aren’t just part of Tobermory’s landscape—they’re unsung heroes. But when they start bunking in your attic, it’s time to deal with ’em the right way—with care and know-how.Want to keep bats out of your attic without harming them? Call us today and let’s work together to protect your home and the bats that help keep ‘The Tub’ thriving.