Kalispell · Flathead County
Bat removal in Kalispell, Montana
Bat exclusion in the Flathead Valley, near Glacier country.
Bats and Kalispell homes
Kalispell is the hub of the Flathead Valley, between Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park. Its housing ranges from historic homes near downtown — about 13% predate 1940 — to fast-growing newer subdivisions. Flathead City-County Health Department says bats are the main source of rabies in Flathead County.
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 Flathead and Stillwater rivers, Flathead Lake, and surrounding forest give bats abundant foraging. In 2025 the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome was detected on bats at Libby Dam in neighboring Lincoln County — its first detection in Montana west of the Continental Divide.
Kalispell animal control & health contacts
Public agencies — not us. Call them for an animal emergency, a possible exposure, or rabies testing.
Flathead County Animal Control
Live animals that may need rabies testing
Number published by Flathead City-County Health Department for live animals; Flathead County Animal Control is part of the Sheriff's Office.
Source ↗Flathead City-County Health Department — Communicable Disease Office
Bat exposures, bat rabies testing, and treatment guidance
1035 1st Ave W, Kalispell. Specimens are sent for testing Monday–Thursday; no live animals are accepted.
Source ↗Flathead County's bat testing rules
Flathead City-County Health Department tests bats that may have exposed a person or pet. It asks that no live animals be brought in, sends specimens for testing Monday through Thursday, and says a bat found Friday–Sunday should be kept refrigerated — not frozen. Pets exposed to a bat need a rabies vaccination within 96 hours.
Flathead City-County Health Department — Bats ↗Kalispell housing stock
Kalispell's housing is split almost evenly between pre- and post-1980 construction. Older homes near downtown need trim, vent, and chimney work; newer homes most often need ridge vent and soffit gaps sealed.
- Housing units
- about 12,300
- Median year built
- 1985
- Built before 1980
- about 46%
- Built before 1960
- about 27%
Built before 1940: about 13%. Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates (see sources).
When bats can be excluded in Kalispell
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.
Kalispell bat removal FAQs
What should I do if I find a bat in my Kalispell home?
Flathead City-County Health Department says to first decide whether anyone was exposed — someone handled the bat, slept in the room, or a child, pet, or impaired person was in the room. If not, the bat can be released outside. If so, call the health department at (406) 751-8117 about testing.
Can I bring a live bat to the health department?
No. Flathead City-County Health Department asks that no live animals be brought in. They publish instructions for safely catching a bat and preparing it for testing, and Flathead County Animal Control is at (406) 758-5610 for live animals.
My dog was playing with a bat — what now?
The health department asks you to capture the bat for testing if it's safe, call (406) 751-8117, and contact your veterinarian: exposed pets need a rabies vaccination within 96 hours.
Is white-nose syndrome in the Flathead area?
In 2025 the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome was detected on bats at Libby Dam in Lincoln County — the first detection in Montana west of the Continental Divide.
When can bats be excluded from a Kalispell home?
FWP advises never excluding bats from May through August, while young may be flightless. Late summer into fall, once the young are flying and before cold weather, is the best time.
Nearby service areas
Sources
- Flathead County Animal Control
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates via Census Reporter — Kalispell, MT (tables B25034/B25035)
- Whitefish Pilot (Sept 2025) — WNS fungus detected on bats at Libby Dam
- Montana Public Radio (Sept 2025) — Fungus deadly to bats detected in western Montana
- 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 Kalispell home?
Humane bat removal and exclusion in Kalispell and Flathead County. Call or send a request and we'll set up an inspection.
Or email wildlifespecialistsgroup@gmail.com