Bat Week is right around the corner, kicking off this Thursday, October 24th through Halloween. This annual celebration gives us the opportunity to learn about the bat species that call New York State home—and the challenges they face.
Meet New York’s Bats
New York is home to nine different bat species, including the endangered Indiana Bat and Northern Long-Eared Bat. These fascinating creatures play vital roles in our ecosystems, primarily as pollinators and pest controllers. However, they are facing severe threats. White-nose syndrome has decimated bat populations since first introduced in 2006. Nearly 90% of bats at hibernation sites have been wiped out due to this devastating disease.
Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)
Protecting Their Habitat
As we celebrate Bat Week, it’s essential to consider how we can help protect these species, especially during the fall months when they are preparing for hibernation. Here are some important guidelines to follow:
- Respect Caves and Mines: If you come across posted notices restricting access to caves and mines, please adhere to them. Disturbances during hibernation can deplete bats’ fat reserves, making it harder for them to survive the winter.
- Timing for Tree Removal: If you’re involved in tree removal or land management, it’s critical to schedule any tree cutting between November 1st and March 31st. Bats live and form maternity colonies to raise pups in trees during summer months. Premature cutting may impact their habitat.
Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)
How You Can Help
Here are some ways you can help bats:
- Leave Bats Alone: Contact with bats can potentially impact your health and the bats! Report strange bat activity to the DEC.
- Plant Native Plants in your Garden: Native plants attracted bugs, which are the main food source for bats. They are a natural pesticide, including mosquito control.
- Turn Lights Off at Night: Excessive light pollution can impact natural behavior in bats. Turn off unnecessary lights to help them navigate better.