The silver-haired bat is found across most of the United States as well as in parts of Canada and Mexico. The total length of bats belonging to this species ranges from 92-115 mm and the average wingspan is 295 mm. 

 

It is one of three exclusively tree-roosting and hibernating species in Connecticut and is known to primarily roost and hibernate in warm and dry tree cavities of deciduous and coniferous trees near water bodies in old growth forests.

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Silver-haired bats are insectivores that feed on small, soft-bodied insects. Their relatively slow flight speed reduces their adeptness in capturing flying insects, so their diet is more opportunistic and includes many flightless insects, such as spiders, however, the species still uses echolocation for hunting, as well as communication.

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Unlike the cave-hibernating bats, the silver-haired bat is not negatively impacted by white-nose syndrome because the fungus that causes the disease requires cold and moist conditions to survive and spread. This species' dependence on large unfragmented regions of old growth forests for habitat, however, has led to deforestation and human development in Connecticut causing steep declines in their populations. Despite being one of the most common species of bat in American forests, the group is listed as Special Concern and a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Connecticut's Wildlife Action Plan.

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