where do bats go in the winter

Bats go into hibernation or migrate to survive the winter, depending on their species and location. Many bats seek shelter in places with stable, cool temperatures such as caves, abandoned mines, tunnels, cellars, and rock crevices where they enter a state called torpor—a deep sleep that slows their metabolism and conserves energy during months when insects are scarce. Some bats also roost in attics, barns, hollow trees, or man-made structures like warehouses and churches if natural sites are not available. Others, particularly tree-roosting species, may migrate to warmer areas with more insect availability. The choice between hibernation and migration depends on food availability and climate conditions where the bats live.