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 Bats
in Washington
Bats are
vital to Washington's ecosystems. Although they are one of
our most fascinating native mammals, they are probably the
least studied and understood. All of our bats are insect eaters,
consuming millions, many of which are pests. They find insects
and navigate in the dark by "echolocation," a type of radar
system. They call out notes, usually far above human range
of hearing, and "listen" for the returning echoes that tell
them what is front of them. This ability is so refined that
they have no trouble "seeing" tiny
insects and catching them in total darkness.
Washington
has 16 of the world's more than 900 species of bats. The most
significant threats to bat survival are persecution by humans
and loss of habitat. Vandalism and disturbance of roosting
caves, maternity colonies, loss of tree snags, and careless
use of pesticides all seriously threaten remaining populations.
 Bats
live in many different habitats, including: caves, abandoned
mines, cliffs, rock crevices, wood piles, under loose tree
bark, in dead tree hollows, under bridges, and in barns, attics,
and other human structures.In winter when insects become scarce,
bats either migrate south to warmer climes or hibernate. They
may sleep in winter roosts, or "hibernacula", for up to six
months, living off the fat they have built up in the summer.
Females
generally give birth to a single pup sometime between mid
May to mid July. Born hairless and helpless, the babies mature
quickly. Their ears and eyes open within hours and they learn
to fly in three to six weeks.
 What
Can You Do to Help Bats?
- Do
not disturb roosting bats
- Provide
habitat, whenever and wherever possible:
- Leave
hollow trees and snags
- Protect
forested areas, wetlands and cave systems
- Put
up bat houses
- Minimize
your use of pesticides
- Support
bat research
- Support
bat conservation groups
For more
information, see WDFW's Bats
of Eastern Washington
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