Gainesville, Florida: World's Largest Bat House

Largest occupied bat houses in North America. 400,000 bats! They swarm starting a half-hour before sunset. Note warning sign: "Beware of Falling Urine and Guano as Bats Fly Overhead." Wear old clothes and a hat.

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Bat houses.

University of Florida Bat House

The University of Florida has the largest occupied "bat house" in North America, maybe the world. Thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats cover the sky at dusk when they leave the bat house to feed. Get there a bit before dusk to watch the hawks prepare to have the first emerging bats for dinner. There is a webcam on the Florida Museum of Natural History website.

[Julie Anspach, 04/10/2013]

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World's Largest Bat House

Address:: 2664 Museum Dr, Gainesville, FL
Directions:: On the University of Florida campus. I-75 exit 384. Drive east one mile on SW Archer Rd. Turn left onto Hwy 121/SW 34th St. Drive one mile. Turn right onto Radio Rd. Drive a half-mile. Turn left onto Museum Rd. You'll quickly see a small parking lot on the left. Park there. You'll see the bat house in the adjacent field, or you can follow the sidewalk along Museum Rd for a closer look.
Hours:: Arrive a half-hour before sunset. Bats may not swarm if it's rainy or cold. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Admission:: Free
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour