Bozeman · Gallatin County
Bat removal in Bozeman, Montana
Bat exclusion for Gallatin Valley homes — old and new.
Bats and Bozeman homes
Bozeman has the newest housing of the six cities we cover — the median home was built around 2000 — but it also has a historic core near Main Street and Montana State University where about 9% of homes predate 1940. New construction isn't bat-proof either: ridge vents, soffit returns, and siding transitions can leave gaps bats will use.
Local bats & habitat
Montana has 15 confirmed bat species. The two most tied to buildings are the little brown myotis — the most common bat in the state — and the big brown bat, which readily uses attics, walls, and other man-made structures. Both are found across Montana. The Gallatin Valley's creeks and the East Gallatin River provide foraging near town, and the surrounding mountains hold the caves and mines Montana bats use in winter.
Bozeman animal control & health contacts
Public agencies — not us. Call them for an animal emergency, a possible exposure, or rabies testing.
Bozeman Animal Control (Bozeman Police Department)
Animal control inside Bozeman city limits
Number as listed by Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter for Bozeman Animal Control.
Source ↗Gallatin County Sheriff's Office — Animal Control
Animal control outside city limits (focused on domestic animals); refers wildlife questions to FWP at (406) 994-5700
677 Laura Louise Ln, Bozeman.
Source ↗Gallatin City-County Health Department
Communicable disease and rabies exposure guidance
For urgent after-hours public health issues, the department lists the Sheriff's Office at (406) 582-2100 ext. 2.
Source ↗Bozeman housing stock
About two-thirds of Bozeman homes were built in 1980 or later. On newer homes we check ridge vents, soffit returns, and siding transitions; on older homes near downtown, we add attic vents, chimneys, and trim joints.
- Housing units
- about 25,900
- Median year built
- 2000
- Built before 1980
- about 32%
- Built before 1960
- about 16%
Built before 1940: about 9%. Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates (see sources).
When bats can be excluded in Bozeman
The same statewide FWP timing applies here. See how our exclusion process works or the Montana bat guide.
Apr–Aug
Maternity season — no exclusion
FWP: never exclude bats May through August, when flightless young may be inside. FWP's exclusion guidance treats April 1–August 31 as the default maternity period.
Sep–Oct
Best exclusion window
By September the young can fly. Fall, before bats settle in to hibernate, is FWP's preferred time to exclude.
Nov–Mar
Hibernation — inspect & plan
Many bats winter in caves and mines, but big brown bats sometimes hibernate in buildings. Don't exclude bats hibernating in a structure.
Bozeman bat removal FAQs
Who do I call about a bat in my Bozeman house?
Inside city limits, Bozeman Animal Control (Bozeman Police Department) at (406) 582-2000 ext. 2. Outside the city, the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office at (406) 582-2100. For possible human exposure, call the Gallatin City-County Health Department at (406) 582-3100.
My Bozeman house is brand new — how did bats get in?
Newer homes still have ridge vents, soffit returns, and siding transitions that can leave narrow gaps, and bats can use crevices of roughly 3/8 inch. About two-thirds of Bozeman homes were built in 1980 or later, so we see this regularly.
Can bats be removed in summer in Bozeman?
Montana FWP advises never excluding bats from May through August, when flightless young may be inside. We can inspect and plan in summer, then perform the exclusion once the young are flying.
Do bats hibernate in Bozeman homes?
Many Montana bats, including the little brown myotis, winter in caves and mines, but big brown bats sometimes hibernate in buildings. FWP's guidance is not to exclude bats in winter if they are hibernating in the structure, so we check for activity before scheduling.
Who do I ask about wildlife questions outside the city?
The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office refers wildlife questions to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at (406) 994-5700.
Nearby service areas
Sources
- Bozeman Animal Control (Bozeman Police Department)
- Gallatin County Sheriff's Office — Animal Control
- Gallatin City-County Health Department
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates via Census Reporter — Bozeman, MT (tables B25034/B25035)
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks — Living With Bats
- Montana Field Guide — Little Brown Myotis
- Montana Field Guide — Big Brown Bat
- MSU Extension — Bats in Homes
- Montana DPHHS — Rabies
Phone numbers and agency roles were checked against the linked pages in November 2026. Agencies change numbers — confirm on their site if a call doesn't connect.
Bats in your Bozeman home?
Humane bat removal and exclusion in Bozeman and Gallatin County. Call or send a request and we'll set up an inspection.
Or email wildlifespecialistsgroup@gmail.com