San Diego Humane Society Successfully Releases First Hoary Bat in SoCal Outfitted with Tracking Transmitter

SAN DIEGO — On this World Wildlife Conservation Day, San Diego Humane Society is celebrating that its Project Wildlife Program has successfully released a rehabilitated hoary bat, fitted with a lightweight Motus tracking transmitter. This marks the first time a hoary bat in Southern California has been equipped with this technology.

The adult male bat was rescued in coastal North County Nov. 14, 2025, during a recent storm, and brought to the organization’s Bahde Wildlife Center for care. After a period of rest marked by seasonal torpor, a natural, low-energy state common for bats in cooler months, the bat regained full health and was deemed ready for release.

Veterinary staff secured the transmitter to gather migration and movement data for the species. Hoary bats are known for both long-distance migration and winter hibernation. They often travel from northern regions into Southern California’s milder climate. Because they are solitary species and roost in tree foliage rather than caves or crevices, their habitats and seasonal movements remain less understood.

The release took place in Carlsbad on Nov. 30, 2025, near Agua Hedionda Lagoon, with the help of Stellaluna author and illustrator Janell Cannon, who has been an enthusiastic supporter of the effort. Cannon helped coordinate the ideal release site, photographed the bat’s release, and recorded his echolocation calls with a bat detector as he flew away. Cannon hopes the release and upcoming tracking data will help raise awareness about bat conservation.

With a Motus wildlife tracking tower located nearby, researchers and rehabilitators hope to receive valuable information about where the bat travels next — whether he remains in the area to hibernate or continues migrating along the Pacific Flyway.

“This release is an exciting step forward for bat conservation in our region,” said Marie Bosch, DVM, MPH, Wildlife Medical Supervisor at San Diego Humane Society. “Being able to track a species that is both migratory and arboreal will deepen our understanding of their needs and behaviors in Southern California.”

San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife Program cares for more than 13,000 wild animals each year and plays a key role in regional conservation through rehabilitation and education. If you encounter an injured, sick or truly orphaned wild animal, please visit San Diego Humane Society’s Wildlife Help Hub at sdhumane.org/wildlifehelp for guidance.