Bats

Bats are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight. There are over 1,200 species of bat worldwide and they make over a fifth of the mammal species. Yet, bats continue to be threatened by many challenges, including climate change, habitat loss, infectious disease, and wind energy production. 

Particularly, bats who hibernate through the winter in caves are extremely susceptible to a fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome.  Those that have a migratory life style have been relatively unharmed by white-nose syndrome, but are threatened by wind energy production. They seem to be at a higher risk for collision with wind turbines. 

Due to these challenges bat populations have dramatically declined. So, we must work together to defend our local bat species. This typically starts with education. In the following pages please find information pertaining to bat species that can be found in our area of West Central Pennsylvania. 

But before your move on check out the documentary shown below from WQED and the Pennsylvania Game Commission on the Race to Save Pennsylvania Bats. 

Bat boxes can be instrumental to sustaining the bats in our area. They provide a safe environment for bats to roost and raise their young. To find plans to build a bat house like this one (seen at Nathan's Divide (Ebensburgh Resevoir) and Mount Aloysius College campus) click here.