By observing roost selections of the very first occupants, bat choices can be determined and fulfilled by varying the shade or sunlight direct exposure for subsequent residences. The forefathers of the threatened Hawaiian Hoary Bat traveled over 3,600 kilometers from the Pacific Shore practically 10,000 years ago to end up being Hawaii's state land animal. Photo by Frank Bonaccorso, USGS.9. The longest-living bat is 41 years old. It's said that the smaller the animal, the much shorter its life-span, however bats break that rule of durability.