Natural Resources: Bats

Bats are among the most beneficial animals on earth. Bats eat night-flying insects, consuming more than half their weight each night. Bat droppings in caves support entire communities of unique organisms, including bacteria useful in detoxifying wastes, improving detergents, and producing gasohol and antibiotics. Wherever bats are found, they are critical elements in nature’s delicate web of life.

The Daniel Boone National Forest is host to 14 species of bats, three which are federally listed as endangered: the Indiana bat, the Virginia big-eared bat, and the gray bat. These bats and their habitats are managed and protected on the forest. Even small disturbances in caves can disrupt bat hibernation and cause them to lose energy needed for winter survival. Any noise from movements, including walking, can cause bats to awaken.

• Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) - endangered
• Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) - endangered
• Gray bat (Myotis grisescens) - endangered
• Rafinesque's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) 
• Big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) 
• Silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)
• Red bat (Lasiurus borealis)
• Hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
• Southeastern myotis (Myotis austroriparius)
• Little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus)
• Eastern small-footed myotis (Myotis leibii)
• Northern bat (Myotis septentrionalis)
• Evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis)
• Eastern pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus)

Author: Wildlife Staff
Last Updated: June 4, 2009