Which bat families live in temperate regions?

While bats are most abundant in tropical regions, several families are well represented in temperate zones. The three primary families that inhabit these areas are:

• Vespertilionidae (vesper bats): This is the most widespread family, found worldwide except in polar regions. They include the majority of common bats in temperate climates, with many species capable of hibernation and migration to survive seasonal changes.123
• Molossidae (free-tailed bats): While primarily tropical and subtropical, some species within this family range into mild temperate regions.12
• Rhinolophidae (horseshoe bats): These bats are well represented in temperate zones throughout the Old World.12

Additionally, a few species of American leaf-nosed bats (family Phyllostomidae) range into mild temperate regions, and some members of the family Hipposideridae (Old World leaf-nosed bats) also extend from the tropics into temperate areas.12