How can I find a cave by using bats as a source

Question

I recently got into caving in west virginia and noticed last night, a little after dusk, a bat flew near me. With this being said there must be a cave nearby. How do I find this cave using the bats. The closest cave to my property that is documented is around 9 miles away and the bat was seen not long after sunset maybe 1/2 hour. I see bats on a regular basis around my house. I would really like to find this cave. Are there any suggestions that you can give me? 10 pts.

Answer 1

   Manny bats roost in places other than caves. Cave roosting bats usually leave in large numbers at the same time so it's more noticeable than widely scattered bat roosting in small numbers. Carlsbad cavern was  said to have ben discovered by someone seeing the huge swarms of bats leaving at dark.

Answer 2

WV caves have been documented more thoroughly than the ones in most other states. You can either look for rock outcroppings and hunt the cave yourself or get information from spelunkers. Contact either the National Speleological Society or its Washington, DC Grotto. Back in my WV caving days, the Washington grotto was the most active one there.

Answer 3

follow the bat

Answer 4

If you're really desperate to find out, radar would track them, but I think that is probably a little advanced.  Maybe you could find an internet bat forum for more advice!  

Bats don't always live in caves, however, and it is quite possible that they are in a disused building which is why there is nothing documented within 9 miles.