Rare Bat Found 100 Miles From Home in Nebraska Office

When office workers in Omaha spotted something crawling across their floor, they had no idea they'd just discovered a first for Nebraska.

The tiny creature turned out to be a cave myotis bat, a species normally found hundreds of miles away in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Workers called NHS Animal Control, which brought her to Nebraska Wildlife Rehab for care.

The rescue center was just as surprised as everyone else. Cave myotis bats typically stick to California, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, making this little wanderer a record-breaking visitor to Nebraska.

Wildlife experts believe she accidentally hitched a ride to get there. These bats naturally roost in dark, enclosed spaces like caves, mines, and tunnels, so she may have tucked herself into a shipment or freight container thinking it was a cozy spot to rest.

The bat is incredibly small, even by bat standards. Cave myotis bats measure about 2.25 inches long and weigh less than half an ounce, light enough to fit comfortably in a white ramekin, as the rehab center's adorable photos show.

Sunny's Take

Sometimes the smallest surprises bring the biggest smiles. This tiny bat has captured hearts online with her photoshoot, including one shot where she appears to be grinning at the camera with her little teeth showing.

The rehab center noted that she arrived just in time for spooky season, joking that "Halloween came early." But beyond the cuteness, her arrival gives people a rare chance to learn about a species most of us would never encounter.

She's now safe in expert hands at Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, where she'll get the care she needs before deciding next steps. For such a tiny traveler, she's certainly made a big impression on everyone who's met her.