As Northern Long-eared bats face extinction, Feds move to protect them through the Endangered Species Act

On March 22, 2022, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed reclassifying the northern long-eared bat under the Endangered Species Act.

The bats are currently registered as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, and are protected.

The bats are facing extinction due to the whitenose syndrome (WNS), an invasive fungus from Europe. WNS was discovered in New York in 2007 and since has spread to 30 states, killing more than 5 million bats. The disease causes fuzzy white growths on the noses and faces of the bats, and the fungus eats its way into their wings. Sick bats will awaken from hibernation. It is believed they fly out into the cold and die from exposure or starvation when no bugs can be found.

Minnesota DNR employees first discovered WNS at the Vermillion- Soudan Underground Mine State Park site in January 2013, where several hundred bats were found dead near the cave entrance.

When the bats were tested by the United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, it was determined that they had suffered from whitenose syndrome (WNS). This disease attacks and kills hibernating bats.

The medium-sized bats are 3 to 3.7 inches with 9 to 10 inches wingspan with fur colored medium to dark brown on the back and tawny to pale-brown on the underside. They eat moths, flies, leafhoppers, caddis fish, and beetles and are found in 37 states.

The Endangered Species Act protects animals and plants in danger of becoming extinct, and make no mistake, bats are essential to the environment. Because they eat up to three timers of their weight in insects each day and play a vital role in sustaining a healthy environment.

During the summer, the northern long-eared bats roost in trees where they raise their pups. In an effort to help the bats, the U.S. Forest Service implemented a rule requiring loggers to not cut trees within one-quarter mile of a tree where bats are roosting and raising their young during the months of June and July.

A virtual public meeting will be held on April 7, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. central time. Information on how to participate in that meeting can be found on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.